Source: Supply Chain Dive
Date: 31st July 2025

The administration outlines a plan to gradually escalate tariffs to 250% on pharmaceutical goods within the next 18 months.

The United States has announced plans to significantly raise tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products, with duties potentially reaching as high as 250% within the next year and a half.

The administration initially intends to introduce a smaller tariff rate, which will be progressively escalated to 150% and eventually 250%. Official announcements detailing tariffs on pharmaceuticals, as well as semiconductors, are expected imminently.

This tariff increase follows the administration’s earlier launch of Section 232 investigations into imports of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, mirroring previous actions that led to heavy tariffs on metals such as steel, aluminium, and copper.

The new duties align with the administration’s ongoing strategy of protecting domestic industries and addressing trade imbalances through aggressive tariff measures.

The proposed steep tariffs on pharmaceuticals have been under consideration for some time, with previous statements indicating potential rates around 200%.

This latest development comes alongside recent actions like imposing a 50% tariff on copper imports, further underscoring the administration’s firm stance on trade protectionism and commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing sectors.