Trump Imposes 100% Tariffs on Branded Drugs and 25% Tariffs on Heavy Trucks

Donald Trump has once again shaken global markets. On Thursday, he announced two major measures that could reshape the pharmaceutical and automotive industries. Starting October 1, all branded and patented drugs imported into the U.S. will face a 100% tariff, while heavy trucks from abroad will be hit with a 25% tariff.

Branded Drugs Under Pressure Trump delivered a clear message to pharmaceutical giants: either manufacture in America or pay the price. Exceptions will apply only to companies that have already started building production plants on U.S. soil—even if the construction has only just begun. According to the White House, the goal is to accelerate the return of drug manufacturing to the U.S. and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. The measure will primarily affect firms with production concentrated in China, India, and other Asian countries.

Heavy Trucks and Market Protection Just hours after the pharmaceutical announcement, Trump unveiled another tariff. From October, all imported heavy-duty trucks will face a 25% tariff. He argued that the measure is necessary to protect American manufacturers such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack Trucks from foreign competition. “We must protect our companies and workers from unfair imports,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Asian Markets React Sharply The announcement immediately rattled Asian markets. Japan’s Topix Pharma fell 1.47%, with major players like Daiichi Sankyo and Chugai Pharmaceutical losing more than 3%. Sumitomo Pharma dropped over 5%.

South Korea also took a hit, with Samsung Biologics down 1.71% and SK Bio Pharmaceuticals down 3.71%. In Hong Kong, Alibaba Health fell 2.92% and JD Health slipped 2.23%. Australia’s market hovered near flat, China’s CSI 300 remained unchanged, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.86%. The steepest decline came from South Korea’s Kospi, which sank 2.02%.

Policy and Economics Intertwined At the same time, the Trump administration is probing other industries, from robotics to medical supplies. Any new tariffs could further burden foreign firms. While U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers may see opportunities, Asia and Europe view Trump’s tariffs as a looming threat. Trade tensions are once again on the rise, and investors are searching for safe havens. The message from Trump is clear: “Manufacturing must return home.”

#TRUMP , #Tariffs , #TradeWar , #GlobalMarkets , #Inflation

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