Trump Plans Tariffs on Indian Pharmaceuticals, Threatening US Drug Prices

As Donald Trump prepares to impose tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals by April 2, millions of Americans face potential increases in healthcare costs. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has visited the U.S. to negotiate a trade deal to prevent these tariffs, which are a response to India's own tariffs on American goods. Nearly half of all medications in the U.S. are sourced from India, and generic drugs make up 90% of prescriptions, saving the healthcare system approximately $219 billion in 2022. Experts warn that tariffs could make many Indian generics unprofitable, leading to drug shortages and disproportionately affecting uninsured and low-income patients. The situation remains uncertain as analysts caution that tariffs could drive up costs and contribute to inflation, making domestic production more expensive. Consumer advocacy groups express concern that higher drug costs may force patients to forgo necessary medications, compounding public health challenges.