Regarding the "100%" tariff on imported medicines announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, countries that have already concluded trade negotiations with the United States will not be subject to the measure, Reuters reported on the 26th (local time), citing a White House official.

When asked by Reuters if the medicine tariffs would apply to trade partners like the European Union (EU) and Japan, which have concluded negotiations, a White House official responded, "We will adhere to the 15% cap as part of that agreement."

Although President Trump announced the previous day that "if you are not 'building' drug manufacturing plants in the United States, then effective October 1, 2025, we will impose a 100% tariff on all brand name drugs (drugs that are copies of patented original drugs but sold under a specific brand name) or patented drugs," this official explained that the EU and Japan, which have already been promised a 15% tariff, would not be affected.

In the case of the EU, a joint statement with the U.S. last month announced, "we will promptly ensure that the combined (final) tariff rate on EU-manufactured medicines, semiconductors, and timber, including Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs and tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, does not exceed 15%."

Japan was to receive Most Favored Nation treatment for its medicines, but this was reportedly not reflected in the executive order signed by President Trump on the 4th.

In the case of South Korea, when a broad trade agreement was reached with the United States on July 30th, Commerce Secretary Howard Rutnik stated regarding semiconductors and medicines, "South Korea will not be treated worse than any other country." However, a final agreement on the wording and its signing between the two countries has not yet occurred.

Meanwhile, upon arriving in New York to attend the Ryder Cup, a team match play golf competition between the United States and Europe, President Trump responded to reporters asking about the impact of the tariff measures announced the previous day, saying, "A lot of companies are coming into the U.S., and they won't have to pay tariffs. If we hadn't done that (pursued tariffs), they wouldn't have done that (come into the U.S.)."

Medicines manufactured in India. AFP Yonhap News. 

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