US imposes 100% tariff on patented medicines

On April 2, 2026, the United States announced a 100% tariff on certain patented pharmaceutical products and associated ingredients, subject to specified exemptions, negotiated arrangements, and implementation timelines. The policy was designed to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported products.

Subsequent measures established differentiated treatment for certain specialty medicines and eligible trading partners. As of late September 2026, the US framework continued to distinguish between covered patented products and generic medicines.