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U.S. Sets 0% Tariff for Indian Specialty Pharmaceuticals

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:17 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Commerce Department announced a zero-percent tariff on specialty pharmaceuticals from India and 19 jurisdictions, effective September 29 2026.
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on April 2 imposing a 100 percent tariff on patented drugs, biologics and ingredients.
The exemption covers orphan-disease drugs, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates and animal-health products.
The Commerce Department created a case-by-case process for firms to seek relief for specialty products meeting U.S. health needs.

History

Historical Context

During a January 10 2018 White House meeting, President Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg exchanged a Ping putter, symbolizing close ties and underscoring the United States’ habit of alternating between tariff cuts and protectionist threats. That habit resurfaces in today’s pharmaceutical trade debates, where officials weigh maintaining low duties against calls for steep increases.

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Story summary

The U.S. Commerce Department announced a zero-percent tariff on specialty pharmaceuticals from India and 19 jurisdictions, effective September 29 2026.
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on April 2 imposing a 100 percent tariff on patented drugs, biologics and ingredients.
The exemption covers orphan-disease drugs, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates and animal-health products.
The Commerce Department created a case-by-case process for firms to seek relief for specialty products meeting U.S. health needs.

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