Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has said that while about 75 imported drugs could be significantly affected by the US’s newly announced tariffs on pharmaceuticals, the overall impact on drug prices and domestic exports will be limited.
The tariffs, announced by US President Donald Trump, impose a 100 percent duty on imported brand-name and patented drugs starting next Wednesday, with exemptions for manufacturers that produce in the US. Minister Shih Chung-liang clarified that these tariffs mainly target brand-name and patent-protected drugs, excluding active pharmaceutical ingredients and generics — categories that make up most of Taiwan’s drug exports.
Shih noted that imports would have only a limited effect on consumers, as most brand-name drugs can be replaced with generic equivalents once patents expire. However, around 75 of 214 patented imported drugs have no alternatives, representing the area of greatest potential impact.
To mitigate any price increases, a special resilience budget has been established. The ministry will closely monitor prices and adjust the National Health Insurance system if necessary, Shih said.