U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States will impose a 100% tariff on imported generic drugs starting in August 2028. Multiple outlets report the announcement came via Trump’s social media posts, with the policy framed as a measure to encourage generic drug manufacturers to shift production to the United States.
Several reports describe a delayed schedule. One account says generic drug imports continue to face a 0% tariff for an initial period, then move to 100% from August 2028, and later rise further after that. Another description notes the tariff will take effect in August 2028, giving companies time to adjust production plans.
Across the coverage, the stated rationale is consistent: the higher duties are intended to “onshore” manufacturing of generic medicines and reduce reliance on imports. While outlets focus on different aspects of the timeline, they all agree on the core element—that imported generic drugs will eventually be subject to a 100% tariff beginning in August 2028—and that the policy is intended to boost domestic pharmaceutical production.
