US Postpones New Tariffs on Imported Pharmaceuticals
The United States has delayed the implementation of new, steep tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals that were scheduled to take effect on October 1st. The Trump administration had previously announced a 100% tariff on imported branded and patented medicines to pressure drug companies to move their production to the U.S. or lower prices. However, government sources confirmed the measure has been postponed for now. A senior U.S. official stated that instead of the broad tariffs, the administration will now focus on preparing tariffs that specifically target individual pharmaceutical companies which refuse to relocate production to the U.S. or reduce their drug prices. No specific reason was given for the delay. In a related development, officials clarified that the European Union would be exempt from any new pharmaceutical tariffs. Imports from the EU will continue to face the existing 15% tariff rate.