Section 301 Investigation of Germany
On June 24, 2026, the U.S. Trade Representative announced a Section 301 investigation into whether Germany’s “persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products” is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.
USTR will hold a hearing in connection with this investigation on Sept. 22. Requests to appear at this hearing, summaries of any testimony, and all other written comments are due by Aug. 10. Click here for a list of issues on which comments are sought.
While previous Section 301 investigations have resulted or may yet result in additional tariffs on imports from targeted countries, U.S. officials appeared to hold out the possibility that this may not happen in this case. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted that the U.S. negotiated with the United Kingdom earlier this year a pharmaceutical arrangement “that will help drive investment and innovation in both countries,” and he called on Germany to “follow suit with constructive negotiations.” USTR Jamieson Greer expressed confidence that the U.S. and Germany “can find a path forward that expands access to the most innovative drugs for the German people while ensuring fair reimbursement for the pharmaceuticals made by American workers.”