There are currently no specific tariffs or quotas on pharmaceutical imports.
However, on April 16, 2025, the secretary of commerce initiated a Section 232 investigation into whether pharmaceutical imports into the U.S. threaten to impair national security. Comments from interested parties were due by May 7, 2025.
This investigation will assess the national security risks related to imports of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, including finished drug products, medical countermeasures, critical inputs such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, and key starting materials, and derivative products of those items.
Within 270 days, the secretary of commerce will submit a report to the president with findings and recommendations on actions to mitigate any threats, including potential tariffs, export controls, or incentives to increase domestic production.
On Dec. 1, 2025, the U.S. announced an agreement in principle with the United Kingdom on pharmaceutical pricing under which the U.S. has agreed to (1) exempt UK-origin pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical ingredients, and medical technology from future Section 232 tariffs and (2) refrain from targeting UK pharmaceutical pricing practices in any future Section 301 investigation for the duration of President Trump’s term.
ST&R offers a three-pronged approach for avoiding, mitigating, and/or recovering these and other tariffs. For more information on which of these strategies might be most effective for your business, please contact ST&R.
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