What healthcare professionals need to know:
- China is the leading producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) essential for both generic and brand-name drugs.
- Trump recently announced pharmaceuticals will be facing tariffs.
- Goods from the U.S. entering China will rise to 84% from 34% on April 10.
At an April 8 press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump is set to impose an additional 50% tariff on China, bringing total duties to 104%.
On April 9, according to an article from CNBC, China has once again pushed back on the U.S.’ Trump’s tariff policies by increasing its levies on U.S. imports to more than 80%.
The article stated, “Tariffs on U.S. goods entering China will rise to 84% from 34% starting April 10, according to a translation of a [sic] Office of the Tariff Commission of the State Council announcement. The hike comes in response to the latest U.S. tariff increase on Chinese goods to more than 100% that began at midnight.”
Further, “According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. exported $143.5 billion of goods to China in 2024, while importing products worth $438.9 billion.”
Last week, we reported on the Trump administration’s new tariff policy. And earlier this week, we reported on several healthcare organizations urging exemptions for medical supplies from tariffs.
Moreover, on April 8, Trump made an announcement on pharmaceutical tariffs. We reported this matter on April 9. China is the leading producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) essential for both generic and brand-name drugs, high tariffs present a significant risk to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers, and consumers.
Additionally, if you have not taken Healthcare Purchasing News’ poll on tariffs, please share your perspective.
Update: April 9. 2:50 pm EST
According to an article from NPR, Trump said today (April 9) on social media that "he would pause tariffs on most countries for 90 days but would immediately hike tariffs on China to 125%."
Update: April 10, 1:30 pm EST
According to an April 10 article from CNN, the White House clarified that its tariff on all Chinese goods was at least 145% —higher than the last update provided from HPN.
Healthcare Purchasing News will continue reporting on Trump's tariffs as more information becomes available.
