Challenge into Opportunity: MP Raghav Chadha reacts to Trump’s 100 percent tariff on Pharmaceuticals

September 26, 2025

Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) highlighted a warning he made seven months prior about the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals. Let us tell you that today, US President Donald Trump announced a whopping tariff of 100 percent on branded and patented pharmaceuticals.

Chadha’s response emphasizes the need for India to adapt by forming deeper international alliances, co-developing medicines, and leading in affordable healthcare to mitigate the impact.

Seven months ago in Parliament I had warned about this.

Today President Trump has imposed a 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals – a jolt for Indian drug makers who supply 40% of US Pharma imports.

India must turn this challenge into an opportunity by deepening alliances with other… pic.twitter.com/LJ7rVlX04y

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) September 26, 2025

In a post on X, Raghav Chadha shared the video when he raised the issue of tariff on medicines in the parliament. Along with the video, he said,

“Seven months ago in Parliament, I had warned about this. Today President Trump has imposed a 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals – a jolt for Indian drug makers who supply 40% of US Pharma imports.”

He further added, “India must turn this challenge into an opportunity by deepening alliances with other countries, co-developing medicines, sharing technology and creating pooled procurement deals. By leading in affordable healthcare, India can secure new markets while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in public health.”

Trump Tariff on Pharmaceuticals 

United States President Donald Trump on Friday announced that his administration will impose a 100 percent tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products beginning October 1, 2025, unless the manufacturing companies are building production facilities in the United States.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America. ‘IS BUILDING’ will be defined as ‘breaking ground’ and/or ‘under construction.’”

Clarifying the scope of the measure, Trump added that companies that have already begun construction of plants in the US will be exempt from the new tariff. “There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” the post read.