Business

Trump's Tariff Threat on Indian Pharma: A Counterproductive Move That Could Cost America Dearly

US President Donald Trump's New Tariff Strategy

US President Donald Trump has announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total duty to 50%. This decision, effective from August 27, has sparked concerns across various sectors.

The Pharma Sector's Temporary Exemption

Interestingly, the pharmaceutical sector has been granted a temporary exemption from this tariff hike. This move underscores India's pivotal role in providing affordable medicines to millions of Americans.

Donald Trump's tariff tussle: Duties on Indian pharma would be 'counterproductive’; America may take at least 3 years to match India’s scale, says Pharmexcil

India's Unmatched Pharma Infrastructure

According to the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil), imposing tariffs on Indian pharma products would be counterproductive, with costs directly affecting US consumers. India's extensive infrastructure, including over 700 US FDA-approved facilities, makes it a global leader in pharmaceutical exports.

The Challenges of Replicating India's Success

Replicating India's pharmaceutical infrastructure in the US would not only take 3 to 5 years but also face significant challenges in terms of scale, cost-effectiveness, and skilled manpower.

Call for Continued Cooperation

Pharmexcil has urged both governments to maintain their cooperation to safeguard the global pharmaceutical supply chain, emphasizing the importance of generic medicines for affordable healthcare in the US.