Trump Imposes 100% Tariff on Branded Drugs from Oct 2025, Expands Duties on Furniture and Trucks

President Donald Trump on Friday announced sweeping new tariffs, including a 100% duty on branded and patented pharmaceutical products starting October 1, 2025.

The move, expected to significantly impact India and other exporters, exempts companies that are actively building pharmaceutical plants in the United States.

In a Truth Social post, Trump clarified that “IS BUILDING” will be defined as “breaking ground and/or under construction,” meaning firms that have already started U.S. facilities will not face the tariff.

Alongside pharmaceuticals, Trump unveiled new tariffs on household goods and vehicles:

• 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related items.

• 30% tariff on upholstered furniture.

• 25% tariff on heavy trucks.

The tariffs come as U.S. furniture prices are already up nearly 5% over last year, with living and dining room furniture surging almost 10%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Defending the measures, Trump said the U.S. market was being “flooded” with foreign goods, calling the tariffs necessary for protecting domestic manufacturing and national security.

The U.S. imported $233 billion in pharmaceutical products in 2024, raising concerns that medicine costs could rise sharply, adding pressure on healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid spending.

The announcement follows broader tariff hikes in August targeting imports from India, Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.