Trump threatens 100% tariff on US drug makers that don’t strike deals to lower prices

New tax will hit branded drugs and active ingredients while exempting generics for at least one year

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Donald Trump is threatening 100% tariffs on pharmaceutical companies that have not struck deals to lower US drug prices.

The new tariff will only apply to branded drugs and their active ingredients. Generic drugs, which make up more than 90% of medicines sold in the US, will be exempted from tariffs for at least one year. Orphan, veterinary and other specialty drugs are exempt if they are from trade deal countries or meet urgent public health needs.