As President Donald Trump vows sweeping new tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, independent pharmacists across the U.S. are scrambling to stockpile essential medications, fearing shortages, cost hikes, and financial ruin.
In Salt Lake City, pharmacist Benjamin Jolley has stockpiled six months’ worth of high-cost medication bottles to hedge against Trump’s across-the-board 10% tariffs on imported goods. A targeted pharmaceutical tariff, expected soon, could further inflate costs on drugs made with Chinese and Indian ingredients — which dominate the global supply.
Trump argues the tariffs will force companies to relocate manufacturing to the U.S., saying in April, “When they hear that, they will leave China.” But critics warn the policy could backfire.
“Even if companies pledge to bring manufacturing home, it will take time,” said UC Law’s Robin Feldman. Industry leaders echoed concerns that new tariffs will worsen drug shortages, particularly generics, and create pricing instability for pharmacies already operating on razor-thin margins.
The U.S. imported $213 billion worth of drugs last year. Without careful exemptions or coordination, experts say, Trump’s policy risks triggering “an emotional roller coaster” for providers and patients alike.
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