Tariff Tsunami: Trump Targets Pharma, Trucks, and More in Latest Trade Move

US President Donald Trump has further escalated the trade tensions through a fresh wave of tariffs that target pharmaceuticals and consumers of packaged goods. The tariffs are said to become effective on the 1st of October, 2025, and range somewhere between 25% and 100% depending on the products.

Trump-Imposed 100% Tariff on Branded Pharmaceuticals

Trump's announcement of 100% tariff on branded and all kinds of patented pharmaceutical products has raised questions concerning the surge in medicines price. However, if companies are in the process of building manufacturing plants in the US, said to be once they are "breaking ground" or "under construction," then such tariff shall not be imposed on them.

Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump stated:

“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.”

Full List of New Trump Tariffs

The latest tariffs cover a range of goods:

• Pharmaceuticals: 100% tariff on branded or patented products (US manufacturing plants exempt)
• Kitchen cabinets: 50% tariff
• Bathroom vanities and related items: 50% tariff
• Upholstered furniture: 30% tariff
• Heavy trucks: 25% tariff

According to Trump, tariffs on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities are to reduce the flooding of imported products into the US, while the heavy truck levy is to protect American manufacturers from unfair foreign competition.

The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Trade Strategy

This latest act by Trump continues the series of aggressive trade actions aimed toward strengthening domestic production and importing less. This is yet another chapter in the ongoing global trade war that the US has been trying to operate through during his administration, affecting global supply chains and domestic markets along the way.