USA – US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose steep tariffs on imported generic medicines starting in August 2028, aiming to pressure pharmaceutical companies into relocating their manufacturing operations to the United States.

Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump explained that generic drugs will remain exempt from customs duties with a zero per cent tariff until August 2028.

Following this two-year grace period, a 100% tariff will be applied for one year, which will then increase to 200%. He noted that this transition window is designed to give drug makers adequate time to build domestic manufacturing facilities and move their production lines onshore.

Furthermore, Trump warned that companies choosing not to establish local production plants will face undisclosed penalties, though he did not specify the exact legal basis for the proposed tariffs. This announcement significantly intensifies economic pressures on international pharmaceutical suppliers that manufacture drugs outside American borders.