Australia Concerned Of Trump's Threat To Raise Pharma Tariffs

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Australia is very concerned about U.S. President Donald Trump's latest threat to raise tariffs on pharmaceutical imports by up to 250% over the longer term, its health minister said on Thursday.

Trump said this week that the United States would first impose a "small" tariff on foreign-made drugs before hiking it to 150% within 18 months and eventually to 250% in an effort to boost domestic production.

Mark Butler said the plan would be a blow to producers such as CSL (CSL.AX), opens new tab, Australia's largest biotech company.

"And that is why we are working so hard to press the case for the continuation of free trade," he told reporters.

Medicines and pharmaceuticals are among Australia's top exports to the U.S, with around A$2.1 billion ($1.4 billion) in shipments last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/australia-worried-by-trump-threat-raise-us-pharma-tariffs-250-2025-08-07/