Trump announces 100% tariff on branded drugs unless made domestically:New import taxes to be implemented from October 1; India exports 30% of its medicines to the US

US President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on branded or patented medicines. This tariff will be effective from October 1, 2025. This tax will not apply to companies that are setting up their manufacturing plants in United States. The US President has already imposed a 50% tariff on India. This tariff has been in effect since August 27. The export of Indian products like textiles, gems-jewelry, furniture, seafood has become more expensive due to this. However, medicines were kept out of this tariff. Trump said – ‘From October 1, we will impose 100% tariff on branded or patented medicines, except for those companies that are setting up their medicine manufacturing plants in America. ‘Setting up’ means construction is in progress. Therefore, if construction has begun, there will be no tax on those medicines.’ India is the world’s largest exporter of generic medicines India is the largest exporter of generic medicines to the US. In 2024, India exported medicines worth approximately $8.73 billion (about ₹77,000 crore) to the US, representing approximately 31% of India’s total pharmaceutical exports. Difference between Branded or Patented medicine and Generic medicine Branded medicine: Generic medicine: 50% tariff also imposed on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities Trump has imposed tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and all related items. He said – ‘Starting from October 1, 2025, we will begin imposing a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and all related items. Additionally, we will charge a 30% tax on upholstered furniture (furniture with mattress or foam).’ The reason for this is that other countries are ‘flooding’ the American market with these items on a very large scale. This is a very wrong approach, but for national security and other reasons, we must protect our manufacturing. Thank you for paying attention to this matter! 25% tariff announced on large trucks Announcing the tariffs on trucks, Trump said, “To protect our heavy truck manufacturers from unfair outside competition, I am imposing a 25% tariff on all ‘large trucks’ made in the rest of the world, effective October 1, 2025.” This way, our large truck manufacturers—like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others—will be protected from external attacks. ​