New Delhi, April 3
Industry experts on Thursday welcomed the exemption of Indian pharmaceutical exports from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs while also stressing the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing.
The experts cited the importance of the cost-effective and life-saving Indian generic medicines as the reason for the exemption.
The White House factsheet issued on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump’s announcement of 26 per cent reciprocal tariffs on imports from India said that pharmaceuticals were exempt.
Indian drugs, especially the generics, help hold down the costs of the US healthcare system, which is already one of the most expensive in the world.
“India and the US share a strong and growing bilateral trade relationship, with a shared vision to double trade to $500 billion under the Mission 500 initiative. Pharmaceuticals remain a cornerstone of this partnership, as India plays a vital role in global and the US healthcare by ensuring a steady supply of affordable medicines,” said Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
“Pharmaceuticals have been exempted from tariffs. The decision underscores the critical role of cost-effective, life-saving generic medicines in public health, economic stability, and national security,” he added.