Posted by Michael Wonder on 04 Apr 2026
US hikes tariffs on Korean patented drugs, spares biosimilars for year
3 April 2026 - Korean drug makers eye US manufacturing labels and limited exemptions as Washington targets patented meds with new duties.
US President Donald Trump on the 2nd (local time) issued a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported patented medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Tariffs will take effect within 120 days for some large corporations and within 180 days for small corporations.
Under this measure, Korean patented medicines that previously faced no tariff will newly be subject to a 15% tariff, but biosimilars and generic medicines—Korea's key export items to the US—will remain tariff-free for at least one year.
