Overview
The U.S. administration is preparing to impose tariffs of 100% on certain pharmaceutical imports, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials are reported to be ready to announce the levies as soon as Thursday. The measures would apply to companies that have not entered agreements with the White House to expand domestic manufacturing capacity.
Scope and mechanics
Under the plan described by those briefed on the situation, the tariffs would hit branded and patented drugs imported into the United States where the manufacturer has not committed to building production facilities domestically. The administration has indicated previously that tariff levels could reach up to 100% on such imports if firms do not make a U.S. manufacturing commitment.
The proposed duties would also incorporate caps tied to imports from countries that have negotiated deals with the White House - effectively limiting the tariff exposure for products originating in those jurisdictions once agreements are in place.
Policy context
Officials view the potential levies as part of a broader push to incentivize more investment and manufacturing activity in the United States. The effort aims to encourage onshore production of critical medicines by linking market access to domestic manufacturing commitments.
Companies involved
Several large pharmaceutical companies have already signed agreements with the administration. Among those named are Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk. According to the accounts of those briefed, companies that have reached deals will face capped tariff treatment tied to the terms of those arrangements.
What officials say and timing
People familiar with the matter say the levies could be announced as soon as Thursday. The move would represent a follow-through on threats made late last year to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports of branded and patented drugs unless manufacturers committed to building plants in the United States.
Implications highlighted
The measures are presented by the administration as a lever to steer more pharmaceutical manufacturing onshore. The design - steep tariffs for non-compliant firms with caps for countries that reach deals - links trade policy directly to industrial and investment goals.
Note: Reporting is based on accounts from people familiar with the matter. Details including exact scope and implementation timing are subject to official announcement.