Tariffs on medicines: scienceindustries urges swift clarification

The 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals announced by the US are causing great incomprehension in the Swiss chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. From the point of view of scienceindustries, tariffs undermine competitiveness and jeopardise the security of medical supply – in the US and around the world. Given the many unresolved questions, patience is required until there is clarity on the procedure, scope and legal basis. Only then can a well-founded assessment of the impact be made.

Annette Luther, Chair of scienceindustries, comments: “Tariffs on medicinal products increase prices, weak-en supply chains and ultimately affect patients. Switzerland must now make a strong commitment to open markets and fair conditions and use all diplomatic levers to secure access to the US market.”

Much remains unclear now: Following the announcement, both a signed order and a reference to the specific legal basis have so far been missing. In terms of content, key points remain unanswered – for example, how companies who have announced investments will be treated, whether existing production capacities will be considered, whether measures will only affect end products or also active ingredients and components, and how generics and original preparations will be differentiated.

One thing is clear: The US is the second most important market for the industry, accounting for around 25% of total exports. The development of additional production capacities for medicines has already been announced or launched by various members of scienceindustries. However, this takes time and requires highly qualified specialists. Tariffs and other trade barriers are putting an additional burden on the already strained global sup-ply chains – with risks for timely supply.

At the same time, research and development in the pharmaceutical industry are extremely cost-intensive; trade barriers have a direct impact on investment and slow down innovation and new therapies. scienceindustries is therefore also calling for better framework conditions and a coherent life sciences strategy at home, so that Switzerland can secure and further expand its international competitiveness.

Stephan Mumenthaler, Director of scienceindustries, emphasises: “We quickly expect resilient clarity on the exact approach of the US authorities and the scope of the tariffs. Until then: No quick fixes. We are in close contact with our members and the relevant authorities and will provide more information as soon as reliable details are available.”

Further information:

Stephan Mumenthaler, Director Tel. 044 368 17 20, stephan.mumenthaler@scienceindustries.ch

Anne Cécile Vonlanthen, Head of Public Affairs & Communication Tel. 044 368 17 44, annececile.vonlanthen@scienceindustries.ch