U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could rise significantly over time—starting at a modest rate but potentially climbing to 250 percent.
Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Trump said the initial tariff would be low, but within 12 to 18 months, it would rise to 150 percent, and eventually reach 250 percent.
“We’re starting with a small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but within a year to a year and a half, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said.
“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country.”
In the same interview, Trump also revealed plans to significantly increase tariffs on imports from India within 24 hours. He cited India’s continued purchases of Russian oil as the reason for the move.
The Trump administration has previously imposed a general 10-percent tariff on most trading partners, but certain sectors—such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors—have been targeted separately following national security investigations.
These industry-specific tariffs are typically introduced after the U.S. government conducts probes into whether certain imports pose a threat to national security. Trump’s comments suggest that investigations into semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are nearing completion, and new duties could soon follow.
So far, the administration has already imposed steep tariffs—50 percent on imported steel and aluminium—and has enacted separate, lower tariffs on automobiles and auto parts.
