The EU and Japan are confident in facing US drug tariffs, stating that the previous agreement ensures that the tariff rate will not exceed 15%.

The EU and Japan confirmed on Friday that the US has imposed restrictions on tariffs on their drugs. US President Trump had previously announced that he would impose 100% tariffs on these products next week. The European Commission referred to a joint statement made at the end of July with the US after reaching a trade agreement, which clearly stated that the tariff rates for drugs, semiconductors, and wood would not exceed 15%. A spokesperson for the European Commission said, "This clear 15% comprehensive tariff ceiling provides guarantees for EU exporters, ensuring that European companies will not face higher tariffs. The EU is the only trade partner with which the US has reached this result." Japan also referenced the joint statement with the US, stating that the tariff rates on Japanese semiconductors and drugs will not exceed those of other trading partners such as the EU. On Thursday, Trump announced a new round of tariff measures on the Truth Social platform, including a 25% tariff on trucks and a 30%-50% tariff on furniture. Trump stated that unless pharmaceutical companies build factories in the US, a 100% tariff on branded or patented drugs will apply. Swiss company Roche announced on Friday that its US subsidiary had recently started building a new factory. Another Swiss pharmaceutical company, Novartis, had earlier promised to make substantial investments in the US, but did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Industry sources estimate that based on initial US statements, the tariff measures announced by Trump on Thursday may not apply to these two Swiss companies.