In a bold move that has shaken global markets, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new wave of tariffs targeting pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy-duty trucks. The latest round includes a 100% duty on branded medicines, 50% tariffs on imported furniture, and 25% levies on trucks, all set to take effect from October 1, 2025.
According to a detailed report by Reuters, Trump defended the tariffs as necessary to protect U.S. manufacturing and national security, calling it a fight against the “flooding” of imported goods from other countries.
Impact on Pharmaceuticals
The decision to impose 100% tariffs on branded drugs has raised concerns in the global healthcare sector. Many Asian and European pharmaceutical stocks saw an immediate decline following the announcement. Reports from The Guardian suggest that this move could further increase consumer prices in the U.S., while international drugmakers fear long-term disruption.
Furniture Industry Shock
Furniture imports, especially from Vietnam and China, which accounted for over 60% of U.S. imports in 2024, will also face steep duties. Trump emphasized that this step is aimed at reviving the U.S. furniture industry, particularly in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Michigan. However, industry leaders in Vietnam called the new tariffs “unfair and unjustified”, as cited by Al Jazeera.
Heavy-Duty Trucks & Inflation Concerns
Trump’s tariffs on heavy-duty trucks are also raising alarms, as they could increase transportation costs at a time when inflation remains a top issue. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has warned that the new duties may pressure supply chains, with Mexico and Canada—the biggest truck exporters to the U.S.—expressing strong opposition.
Global Reaction
Governments worldwide are carefully analyzing the impact. Tokyo stated that it is still reviewing how these tariffs align with U.S.-Japan trade agreements, while Australia slammed the move as “unfair” and “unjustified.”
Economists warn that these tariffs could add inflationary pressure not just in the U.S. but globally, affecting pharmaceuticals, transport, and consumer goods.
📌 Conclusion: Trump’s latest tariff strategy is being viewed as both a domestic industry revival plan and a foreign policy tool. However, with growing criticism from trade partners and global market instability, the world watches closely to see how this trade war escalation will unfold.
For more updates, follow the coverage on Reuters, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera.
