The US government plans to impose a 100% tariff on imported generic drugs beginning in August 2028. In a social media post on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that all imported generic drugs will remain subject to a 0% tariff for two years starting August 1. After that grace period, the tariff will rise to 100% for one year and then to 200% thereafter.
The phased schedule is designed to encourage generic drug manufacturers to shift production to the United States. Trump described the higher tariffs as “a penalty” on companies that fail to build plants and facilities domestically within the allotted time frame. “This is done in order to RESHORE Generic Pharmaceutical Production into America, with a penalty to those Companies that decide not to build Plant and Equipment within the stated period of time given to them,” he said.
Tariffs on patented and branded drugs will remain unchanged.
