Trump announces new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, furniture and heavy trucks starting in October

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a 100% tariff would be imposed on brand-name or patented pharmaceuticals for companies that do not have manufacturing plants in the United States.

Trump made it clear that companies building facilities or already working on projects will be exempt. The goal is for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture on U.S. soil and for the country not to rely on imports in a sector vital to health and national security.

Focus on domestic production

Trump had already advanced the possibility of imposing tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, initially with lower rates that would gradually rise. However, the new decision establishes a 100% tariff from the outset and leaves open the possibility of harsher measures, after having warned weeks ago about tariffs of up to 250% on this sector.

With these announcements, the White House reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing local production. Trump had already established tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automobiles, measures that he defended as necessary to strengthen domestic industry and protect jobs.

Furniture, cabinets and heavy trucks will also face tariffs

In addition to pharmaceuticals, Trump reported new tariffs on other categories of goods. Starting Oct. 1, they will also impose:

- 50% on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and associated products.

- 30% on upholstered furniture.

- 25% on heavy trucks manufactured outside the country.

"The reason for this is the large scale ‘FLOODING’ of these products into the United States by other outside Countries. It is a very unfair practice, but we must protect, for National Security and other reasons, our Manufacturing process," he said.