America plans to increase fees on pharmaceutical products, First China target

New -Delhi, April 13 (IANS). Howard Lutenik, Secretary of Trade, said in an interview to a media outlet on Sunday that the US intends to increase rates on drug products imported from China, especially China within the next one or two months. Howard Lutenik said: “We can’t depend on China on the basic things we need, such as medicine and semiconductors.” He added: “We can’t depend on the basic things we need.” The statement came immediately after the announcement made by President Donald Trump to the National Republican Congress Committee, stating that the US would soon impose ‘Bada’ tariff on imported drugs. Lutenik said: “These are things related to national security and what we have to do in America ourselves.” So far, pharmaceutical products have been excluded from America’s broad tariff rates, as the country is dependent on cheap generic medicines available from countries such as China and India to manage its healthcare system. This is a great help, as US multinational businesses sell the same medicine at very high prices that are often out of the reach of ordinary consumers. Since China is entangled in a trade war with the US, drug exports of the communist country are clearly the first target. According to industry sources, this will increase the dependence on Indian generic medicine in the short term. More than 45 percent of generic medicines used in the US are made in India. Indian pharmaceutical giants such as Dr. Reddy’s, Aurobindo Pharma, Zidas Lifesyins, Sun Pharma and Gland Pharma earn more than half their income from US consumers. India’s pharmaceutical industry is very closely attached to the US. According to the India’s pharmaceutical export promotion council, the US had $ 8.7 billion in FY 2024 in India’s total of $ 27.9 billion pharmaceutical exports. The US is largely dependent on low -cost -Indian generic medicines, and the increase in fee will increase prices and do not have essential medicines, especially antibiotics and general drugs. In addition, India deals with the US for bilateral trade agreement. The fact is expected to keep in mind during the conversation that the generic medicine needed for US consumers is available at affordable prices. -Ians PSK/CBT