April 2, 2026, 10:18 p.mApril 2, 2026, 10:18 p.m
US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs of up to 100 percent for the import of patent-protected medicines into the USA. A tariff rate of 15 percent will apply to Swiss pharmaceutical exports, according to a decree published by the White House on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump is making an exception for Switzerland.Image: keystone
Trump has decided on tariffs of up to 100 percent on patented drugs and their active ingredients, the US government said in a statement. According to the White House, the aim of the tariffs is to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.
However, for countries with trade agreements – including Switzerland and Liechtenstein – the significantly lower rate of 15 percent applies. The measures should come into force in 120 days for large companies and in 180 days for smaller companies. Generics and biosimilars are initially exempt from tariffs.
Companies can avoid the tariffs if they build production capacity in the US and enter into price agreements with the authorities. In this case, the tariff will no longer apply until the beginning of 2029. (hkl/sda/awp)