AHA Raises Concerns Over Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Impacting Availability of Medications and Healthcare Devices

According to a Feb. 5 press release, the American Hospital Association (AHA) has contacted the Trump Administration to inform them that its current and proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China could put at risk the availability of medications and healthcare devices.

The press release said, “‘We ask that you consider granting exceptions to the current and proposed tariffs for medical devices and pharmaceuticals made in Mexico, Canada and China that are essential to the provision of safe, effective care in America's hospitals, clinics, and other settings,’ AHA president and CEO Rick Pollack wrote in a letter to President Trump. ‘It is especially critical to have these exceptions for products already in shortage and for which production in the countries subject to increased tariffs supply a significant part of the U.S. market.’” 

AHA acknowledged in the press release that though the tariffs for Canada and Mexico have been delayed, “we believe the principle still prevails.” 

Further, “Specifically, AHA expressed concern about dangers for patients associated with the disruption in the supply of cardiac drugs, oncology drugs and others made in China, as well as the supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients — the U.S. gets nearly 30% of its APIs from China — ‘meaning that these tariffs may also limit the availability of U.S. drug manufacturers to produce critical drugs here in the U.S.’”

The press release also explained that the AHA also has concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on medical devices that prevent infection, such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscope covers and sterile drapes, gowns, gloves, face masks, and respirators. Many of these items are manufactured in China and cannot be replaced easily by domestic manufacturers.

The AHA said it will continue to monitor this issue and provide additional updates as needed.