US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new wave of import tariffs to boost US manufacturing and jobs. From 1 October, branded or patented medicines will face a 100% levy unless the producer builds a factory in the United States.
Other sectors are targeted. From next week, all heavy-duty trucks will attract a 25% import tax, kitchen and bathroom cabinets will face 50%, and upholstered furniture will be charged 30%. The White House says high import volumes have harmed local producers.
Pharmaceutical exporters in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan could be among the most exposed. Ireland’s trade minister, Simon Harris, said an EU agreement capping US tariffs on pharmaceuticals at 15% still applies despite the announcement. UN data show that the UK exported more than $6 billion (£4.5bn) of pharmaceuticals to the US last year.
Trump argued the truck tariffs would protect US manufacturers from “unfair outside competition” and bolster firms such as Peterbilt and Mack Trucks. Business groups disagree. The US Chamber of Commerce urged the White House not to proceed, noting that truck components are sourced from Mexico, Canada, Germany, Finland and Japan, allies posing no security threat. Mexico and Canada supplied over half of US imports of medium and heavy-duty truck parts last year, it said, adding that switching to domestic sources is impractical and would significantly raise costs.
The moves extend the administration’s broader tariff policy, which took effect in early August and followed earlier duties on steel, copper, aluminium, cars and vehicle components.
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