Proposed tariffs on Chinese goods likely to increase drug costs

The Trump administration is considering imposing a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from China, including a host of medical products. Items on the list of products up for consideration for the new tariff include raw ingredients used in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, as well as vaccines, insulin products, MRI machines, surgical tools and other medical devices.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will hold a public hearing on May 15 regarding the proposed tariff. The public is welcome to submit written comments before May 11 by going to https://www.regulations.gov/ and referencing docket number USTR-2018-0005.