Trump‑EU Trade Deal Imposes 15 % Tariffs on EU Branded Pharmaceuticals

A new trade framework announced during talks between President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduces a 15 % tariff on EU exports to the U.S., including branded pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical companies in Europe have warned that this move may add between $13 billion and $19 billion in annual costs to the industry.

The tariffs are contingent on a pending U.S. Section 232 investigation into drug imports and will remain on hold until that probe concludes, expected around August . Generic medicines are reportedly excluded from the duties, though ambiguity remains about which specific products qualify.

Industry representatives, including the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), criticised the policy as a blunt instrument that risks disrupting supply chains, reducing R&D investment into Europe and limiting patient access on both sides of the Atlantic . They argue more effective mechanisms exist for balancing pharmaceutical innovation funding.

At present, the deal is not fully finalised and additional details, such as precise definitions of covered pharmaceutical items and possible exemptions, remain under negotiation. European officials maintain the ability to reserve countermeasures and declined to reciprocate with U.S. pharma tariffs.