Biotech Firms Navigate New Tariffs Amid Uncertain Exemption Pathways
WASHINGTON — A broad tariff on imported pharmaceuticals took effect at the end of September, and some biopharma companies and the industry group that represents them say many are being left in the dark on how to get exemptions.
The Trump administration announced a 100% section 232 tariff in April, impacting imports of patented drugs and their active ingredients. At the time, the White House offered a number of pathways for companies to reduce their tariff burden, including striking a most-favored nation deal to sell drugs in the U.S. at similar prices to other wealthy countries or agreeing to bring production to the U.S.
STAT Plus: Trump’s secretive pharma deals may undermine ‘most-favored nation’ pricing, an analysis suggests
Companies that made MFN agreements would have had start paying tariff costs in July, but now aren’t on the hook for payment until early 2029, per their agreements. That exempts many of the bigger U.S. drugmakers, while leaving smaller biotech firms to face the levies.
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