Trump considers adjusting pharmaceutical imports due to national security threat.

Trump considers adjusting pharmaceutical imports due to national security threat.

[ADJUSTING IMPORTS OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS INTO THE UNITED STATES] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1.  The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) recently transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effects of imports of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1862 (section 232).  Based on the facts considered in that investigation, and taking into account the close relation of the economic welfare of the Nation to our national security and other relevant factors, see 19 U.S.C. 1862(d), the Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that pharmaceuticals and associated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including key starting materials, are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States. 2.  The Secretary found that the present quantities and circumstances of imports of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients threaten to impair the national security and economy.  Despite being the world leader in research and development (R&D) for most innovative pharmaceuticals (those that are typically patented and branded, as compared to generic pharmaceuticals or pharmaceuticals approved pursuant to section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 355(j)), the United States is heavily reliant on imports, threatening to limit United States access to life-saving medications in the event of global supply chain disruption due to geopolitical or economic disruption.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, as of 2025, approximately 53 percent of patented pharmaceutical products distributed domestically are produced outside the country.  The degree of import reliance is significant at the API level with only 15 percent of patented APIs by volume domestically produced for the United States market.   3.  The Secretary found that patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients are essential to the United States’ military and civilian healthcare.  A self-sufficient domestic manufacturing and industrial base for pharmaceutical products is vital for the ability to support national defense requirements and maintain public health security during a national emergency or wartime.  Patented pharmaceuticals are pivotal for treating cancer, rare diseases, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and other critical health challenges.  The Secretary further found that foreign government intervention has undermined the competitiveness of the United States patented pharmaceutical industry.  This intervention has led to further dependence on foreign production of patented pharmaceuticals that have fragile supply chains. 4.  In light of these findings, the Secretary recommended actions to adjust imports of patented pharmaceuticals and associated