While the sector has been exempted from tariffs so far, industry leaders warn that any reversal of this exemption could have dire consequences, especially for the US health care system
To lower costs for patients, the US started outsourcing, particularly cheaper generic drugs, from countries like India and China.
Image: Amit Dave / Reuters
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is bracing for potential disruption as the Trump administration’s July 30 announcement of fresh tariffs raises an alarm across sectors. The US will levy 25 percent tariffs on India, starting August 1. While pharma has so far been exempted, industry leaders warn that any reversal of this exemption could have dire consequences, especially for the US health care system.
About 70 percent of generic drugs in the US are imported, of which nearly 50 percent comes from India, making it a critical player in the American health care system.