U.S. President Donald Trump says imported generic drugs will face a 100 percent tariff beginning Aug. 1, 2028, rising to 200 percent a year later.
“This is done in order to reshore generic pharmaceutical production into America, with a penalty to those companies that decide not to build plants and equipment within the stated period of time given to them,” Trump announced on his Truth Social platform on July 21.
Trump first announced plans in September 2025 to impose 100 percent tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals before formalizing the policy in an April 2026 proclamation.
On April 2, 2026, Trump signed a proclamation imposing tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The order exempted general pharmaceuticals, but said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick would revisit the issue within one year….