The White House has announced a 100% tariff on imported patented foreign medicines, marking a major shift in U.S. trade and health policy. Exporting companies can avoid the high tariff by signing agreements with the U.S. government. The move, formally declared on Thursday, fulfills President Donald Trump’s long-standing warning to impose tariffs on imported drugs. Officials said the policy aims to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce national security risks.

Analysts noted that the immediate impact may be limited since the measure excludes generic drugs, which dominate U.S. consumption. Several major pharmaceutical firms have already signed agreements exempting them from the tariff, and more are expected to follow. Companies pledging to begin U.S. production by January 2029 will face a reduced 20% tariff, while those agreeing to government pricing terms could see tariffs fully lifted.

The White House stated that the policy has already prompted about $400 billion in pledged investments. However, experts warned that smaller firms may face higher costs, and the long-term effects remain uncertain after Trump’s term ends in January 2029.