A fresh round of US tariffs will take effect this week, targeting pharmaceuticals and heavy duty vehicles, along with bathroom and kitchen cabinets,  according to a social media announcement from President Trump.

Starting October 1st, all imported branded or patented medications will be subject to a 100% tariff unless the manufacturer already operates – or is in the process of building -a production facility on American soil. Heavy-duty trucks from overseas will face a 25% import duty, while kitchen and bathroom cabinets will be hit with a 50% tariff.

Trump defended the measures on his Truth Social account, accusing foreign nations of “flooding” the US market with their goods and framing the tariffs as a way to protect domestic industry.

The new tariffs will apparently not be affected by the legal challenge that is headed for the US Supreme Court. Two federal courts have already ruled Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff on worldwide countries as an illegal use of his powers, and the higher court will be hearing an appeal from the Trump administration on November 5th.

The introduction of these new duty rates is expected to hit small and medium sizes pharmaceutical firms hardest. Many of the largest global drug companies have either established manufacturing bases in the US or have announced plans to do so.

The UK, which shipped over £4.5 billion in pharmaceuticals to the US last year, had been seeking exemptions as part of a June trade pact that promised “significantly preferential treatment outcomes” for its drug exports.

However, those talks have not yet provided the protection that UK pharmaceutical companies need. A UK government spokesperson said officials were “actively engaging with the US” to address concerns and “will continue to do so over the coming days.”

The team at Westbound will be monitoring developments closely.

If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.