Why Would Trump Raise Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals When Drug Prices Are Already So High? There’s a Catch…

When I first read that President Trump was extending his tariff terror to pharmaceuticals, my initial response was fear of the worst — drug prices soaring beyond what anyone could afford. Prices are already fairly prohibitive if you’re not on some government handout program.

As it turns out, Trump indeed imposed a 100-percent tariff on drug imports — unless the company importing the drugs was already building or expanding manufacturing operations in the U.S., or on track to do so.

“Whew” was my response when I read that.

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Turns out that drugmakers have pledged $350 billion in stateside development by the end of the decade. “Pledged,” of course, is an interesting word. Actually spending the money on what they promised is something yet to unfold.

However, the Wall Street Journal is warning that Trump has more up his drug-price sleeve:  As early as this coming week, the president may move to cap U.S. drug prices at the same level as paid by other developed nations.

That, of course, could hit Big Pharma’s profits Big Time.

The question is: Would they respond by simply making it harder to get their medicines?

Cat and mouse between Trump and the drugmakers could be a deadly game for people with medicinal needs.