Drug manufacturers are advocating for the exclusion of medical products from the ongoing tariff disputes between the Trump administration and the European Union. They are concerned that including medicines in the tariffs could lead to price increases and impact patient access to important medications such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Merck's Keytruda.

In discussions with U.S. officials, the pharmaceutical industry has highlighted the potential negative consequences of tariffs on drug pricing and patient access, aligning with President Trump's goals on healthcare affordability and life expectancy. Some companies are open to expanding their manufacturing operations in the U.S., but are seeking incentives like tax breaks and regulatory adjustments to facilitate this transition.

Industry leaders are emphasizing the importance of avoiding disruptions to the supply chain, urging both the U.S. and EU to refrain from imposing retaliatory tariffs on medicines. They point out that medicines were previously exempted from trade conflicts, and disrupting the flow of essential drugs could harm patient access and overall health outcomes.

Although most medicinal imports from China have low value, the U.S. relies on European-made medications that generate significant revenue. Companies like Novo Nordisk and Merck have production facilities in Europe, but are considering expanding manufacturing domestically to mitigate the impacts of potential tariffs. Novo Nordisk, for instance, has announced substantial investments in increasing production capacity in the U.S. to mitigate the effects of trade disputes.