Trump warns of drug tariffs up to "250%"; Source says implementation may not happen in the short term

Despite recent threats from President Trump to impose tariffs on imported drugs, these tariffs may take several weeks to be implemented. Some European and American sources have revealed that the tariffs will not be imposed immediately. Sources have told the media that the results of the Department of Homeland Security's investigation into semiconductors will be announced before the announcement of drug tariffs. In addition, Trump is also busy preparing for a meeting with Russian President Putin scheduled for Friday. On August 5th local time, Trump claimed in an interview that in order to focus on key economic areas and reshape global trade, the US will announce import tariffs on semiconductor chips and drugs in "about a week." The proposed tariffs on drugs could ultimately reach up to 250%. Trump said, "We will initially impose a small amount of tariffs on drugs, but within a year, up to a year and a half, the tariffs will increase to 150%, and then to 250%, because we want drugs to be produced in our country." Trump also announced, "We will announce tariffs on semiconductors and chips as a separate category." Some media outlets have pointed out that 250% is the highest tariff threat Trump has made so far, but the US president has also threatened to impose tariffs on drugs multiple times in the past, only to later change policies. Therefore, it cannot be guaranteed that he will ultimately set the drug tariff rate at 250%. In early July this year, Trump also threatened to impose 200% tariffs on drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are still waiting for the results of an investigation into the impact of foreign drug production on US national security that began in April. Although Commerce Secretary Ross had previously stated that the report would be completed by mid-June, it has not been released yet. Analysts point out that the tariffs planned to be imposed will have a negative impact on the pharmaceutical industry. Industry insiders have warned that tariffs may increase costs, hinder investment by pharmaceutical companies in the US, disrupt the drug supply chain, and put patients at risk. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are already dealing with the consequences of Trump's drug pricing policies, which they believe threaten both their profits and their ability to invest in research and development.