Trump Imposes 100% Tariff on Some Pharmaceuticals
Donald Trump has imposed a 100% tariff on some drug imports.
The US president remains committed to his tariff regime despite a recent Supreme Court ruling.
The tariff reflects anger over international pricing systems, including Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The tariff will apply to patented drugs made outside the US.
The tariff will be reduced to 20% for companies that move operations to the US.
Companies can also strike deals to lower prices for American buyers and reduce the tariff to zero.
Many countries have negotiated exemptions and will face lower pharmaceutical tariffs.
The UK and US have a deal that allows British drug makers to avoid the tariff.
Donald Trump signed the order on the anniversary of 'Liberation Day'.
Australia's PBS may make a deal with the US less likely.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said other countries have made deals with the US.
The US has spent the past year making deals with companies to build in America.
US is a big market for Australian pharma
Pharmaceuticals are among Australia's top exports to the US, worth $US1.3 billion.
CSL has been investing in US manufacturing to circumvent the tariff.
America's pharmaceutical giants want to stop Australia's Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme.
CSL said most of its trade to the US is plasma therapies made from US-sourced plasma.
CSL is reviewing the tariff and working with the US administration.
CSL does not expect a big impact from the tariffs.
The US pharmaceuticals lobby wants tariffs on Australian-made drugs.
The PBS forces drug companies to negotiate sales with the Australian government.
A US report criticized the PBS for undervaluing American innovation.
Government reaction
Federal and state leaders are frustrated with the tariff announcement.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan will seek federal advice on the tariffs.
The state is a global capital for medical technology and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The premier said the state will seek advice on what the announcement means.
The announcement adds pressure to the economy.
The cost of living is already tough, and the tariff makes it tougher.
Don Farrell continues to make the case for removing US tariffs.
A spokesperson for Don Farrell said the government is disappointed with the US decision.
The government will stand up for Australian jobs and industry.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said lifting health product prices is self-defeating.
Mark Butler praised Australian officials for their work on trade negotiations.
The minister said the government will deal with the tariff as it has with others.
Exporting to the US is mutually beneficial for both countries.
The government wants to see exporters thrive and help patients in America.
Lifting health product prices is self-defeating, and the government made this case to the US.
'National security' tariff
The pharmaceutical tariff is implemented under a section of trade law for national security.
The ruling on tariffs is a big decision that has infuriated the president.
The US argues that domestic pharmaceutical production is necessary for national security.
A senior administration official said many drugs are now produced abroad.
The official said the US has allowed other countries to make drugs, making the US beholden to them.
The Trump administration has negotiated 17 deals to move manufacturing to the US.
In July, Mr Trump said the tariff could be as high as 200%.
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