From 1 October 2025, the <a title="US Trump" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/india/us-may-end-penal-tariffs-on-india-by-nov-30/19492" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United States</a> will impose a 100 per cent tariff on branded and patented pharmaceuticals, unless the exporting company is already constructing a manufacturing facility on American soil. The announcement, made by President Donald Trump, marks one of the sharpest turns in U.S. trade policy towards the pharmaceutical sector.
<h2 data-start="663" data-end="689">The U.S. policy shift</h2>
The new tariff is designed to compel pharmaceutical giants to localise production within the United States. Products from companies that have broken ground or are in the process of building U.S. facilities will be exempt. The administration argues the measure safeguards national security, while also seeking to reduce America&rsquo;s dependency on imports for critical healthcare supplies.
Major global firms have already committed billions of dollars to American manufacturing capacity, anticipating a more protectionist landscape. Yet, the industry remains unsettled, as the sharp tariff escalation could still disrupt supply chains and pricing structures.
<h2 data-start="1354" data-end="1394">India&rsquo;s exposure to the U.S. market</h2>
<a title="India" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/india/trade-talks-restart-as-us-envoy-lands-in-delhi/19380" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a> is one of the largest exporters of pharmaceuticals to the U.S., with nearly two-fifths of its outbound drug shipments heading there. For many Indian companies, particularly those with global ambitions, U.S. revenues account for as much as half of their overall income.
Gujarat stands at the centre of this trade. The state contributes more than a quarter of India&rsquo;s total pharmaceutical exports and hosts over a hundred manufacturing plants accredited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara have become synonymous with high-volume drug production, ranging from generics to specialised formulations.
If the new tariffs are enforced without carve-outs, Gujarat&rsquo;s exporters will be directly in the firing line. The state&rsquo;s small and medium-sized enterprises, which already operate on thin margins, would face the greatest stress.
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ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/opinion/trump-tariffs-india-but-is-putin-the-real-target-/17517
<h2 data-start="2279" data-end="2301">The likely impact</h2>
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Profit squeeze &ndash; Doubling the landed cost of branded medicines will compress margins for Indian exporters. Passing costs on to U.S. consumers may prove difficult in a highly price-sensitive market.
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Market share risk &ndash; Indian firms could lose ground to competitors with production footprints inside the U.S.
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Strategic reorientation &ndash; Exporters may accelerate diversification into markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America to cushion losses.
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Pressure on Gujarat &ndash; With its outsized role, Gujarat&rsquo;s pharma clusters would feel the brunt. Port cities that handle bulk drug exports could also see reduced traffic.
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Broader supply chain strain &ndash; India&rsquo;s reliance on Chinese raw materials for active pharmaceutical ingredients may complicate adaptation to new U.S. rules, given that China itself faces similar tariff barriers.
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<h2 data-start="3176" data-end="3205">Navigating the challenge</h2>
For India, the way forward may involve a combination of trade diplomacy, incentives for Indian companies to establish joint ventures in the U.S., and stronger backing for domestic research and innovation. Policymakers will also need to protect smaller players in Gujarat, ensuring they are not wiped out by the sudden escalation.
Beyond economics, the development has geopolitical undertones. Pharmaceuticals are a pillar of India&rsquo;s global health diplomacy. Any erosion of U.S. market access could weaken this leverage. The resilience of Gujarat&rsquo;s pharma ecosystem, paired with a proactive national strategy, will be critical to weathering the storm.

US President Donald Trump Trump signs tariff order (file photo)

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September 26, 2025 | 11:33 IST