Trump Slaps 100% Tariff on Pharma Imports from Oct 1

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports, effective October 1, 2025, with exemptions only for companies building U.S. plants. The 100% levy comes alongside duties on kitchen cabinets, furniture, and heavy trucks, sending global markets into a spin. Indian pharmaceutical firms, supplying nearly half of U.S. generics and a significant portion of biosimilars, are directly affected. Analysts warn of higher drug prices for American patients, legal challenges under trade law, and a reshuffling of supply chains that could take years. The move coincides with a controversial $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, adding pressure on Indian IT professionals. The next 30–180 days will reveal corporate strategies, diplomatic negotiations, and possible WTO disputes.