USA imposes 15 percent tariffs on pharmaceutical imports – significant consequences for the German pharmaceutical industry
28.07.2025 16:48
The European Union and the United States have agreed on a new trade agreement. In the future, nearly all European exports of goods to the US will be subject to a 15 percent tariff – including pharmaceutical products. The German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) considers this a significant setback for global healthcare and Europe as a center of innovation.
Han Steutel, President of the vfa: "The good news is that an agreement between the US and the European Union is possible. A trade war would have further escalated the already great uncertainty." Nevertheless, the consequences for the pharmaceutical industry are drastic. Steutel says: "This deal breaks with the foundations of transatlantic trade. It undermines the rules of the World Trade Organization and ends the achievement of free trade in medicines. The US is our most important trading partner. This agreement now seals billions in costs for Germany as a pharmaceutical location. This is not good news for jobs or for investments. We urgently need to do our homework for Germany as an industrial location."
According to the vfa, the new tariff rate is likely to not only result in significant additional costs for manufacturers, but also jeopardize international patient care. For decades, the duty-free exchange of medicines has been an important basis for smooth supply and close cooperation between the EU and the US.
"This measure sends a fatal signal: Especially at a time when global health crises require cooperation, trade policy is becoming a plaything of strategic interests," Steutel continued. "The EU must urgently take countermeasures – in the interests of securing the location and supply."
background
Under the new transatlantic agreement, flat tariffs of 15 percent will apply to almost all product categories. For pharmaceuticals, this represents a break with the practice of duty-free exports previously established under the WTO and bilateral agreements.