Pharma Firms Weigh Impact of Tariff Dose

Effect of Trump's reciprocal tariff on pharma exports remains unclear

- SOHINI DAS

We have been waiting and watching closely for the past few weeks. Once the announcement (on tariffs) comes, there may be industry meetings," says the managing director (MD) of a leading pharmaceutical (pharma) company that exports to the U.S. His words sum up the mood in Indian Pharma Inc on Wednesday, a day before Washington is set to announce tariffs on several goods categories across various countries.

Pharma products have been on the radar of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has indicated that tariffs of up to 25 per cent could be imposed on this sector. The extent of the tariff on pharma exports remains unclear, especially if the U.S. adopts a reciprocal approach—India currently imposes tariffs of 5-10 per cent on drug imports. Indian exporters, however, supply 47 per cent of the generic medicines consumed in the U.S.

Industry weighs its options

'Scenario planning' has been underway in the pharma industry.