Drug tariffs hurt patients in Florida

President Donald Trump hopes to intensify US manufacturing in sectors such as automobiles and semiconductors by imposing tariffs on various global imports, and pressure foreign companies to relocate US production.

The president’s goal is commendable. But his next priority – tariffs on drugs – will put millions of Floridians relying on prescription drugs in the trade war crossfire.

Floridians know how drug shortages can feel. Last year, many people dealing with cancer, ADHD and other conditions were unable to fill their prescriptions at the pharmacy. As president of Florida’s Oncology Manager, I saw patients who had to delay or change treatment plans when access to cancer treatment is threatened.

With tariffs, that happens on a larger scale.

In an ideal world, because consumers have choice, the cost of tariffs falls on foreign producers, not US consumers. If the cost of genuine French Bordeaux or Brie is too high, Americans can opt for home wine or cheese instead. Foreign companies must eat the costs of customs (literally in this case) by accepting a lower margin.

However, medicines differ from other products. People don’t choose what’s best for them or where the medicine is made. If drug prices rely on Skyrockets for tariffs, the only choice they have is to risk their finances or their health.

Because the US and the European Union know this, both jurisdictions have long been operating under a “zero-zero” policy that exempts drugs from tariffs.

This policy helped both economies become drug manufacturing powers and provided each other’s population with the widest possible treatment options. The US makes about half of all the drugs that Americans take, but we still rely on drugs made elsewhere. In 2023, the US imported $128 billion in drugs from Europe.

Tariffs will threaten Floridians’ access to many important drugs. Consider letrozole, the standard breast cancer treatment for postmenopausal women. Customs duties on drugs could raise prices as they are made by Swiss company Novartis.

It’s devastating for thousands of women in Florida. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in our state.

Tariffs do not only affect European-made medicines. They will also increase the prices of many American-made drugs, as they apply to drug ingredients that come from Europe.

American factories source most of the active pharmaceutical ingredients or APIs in the country. However, a third of the drug APIs consumed by Americans come from Europe. Tariffs on these ingredients lead to supply chain disruptions that can reduce costs and slow patient access to medication. Drug shortages may continue.

The tariffs will also increase costs for Florida seniors. They drive the costs of Medicare, one of the largest drug buyers in the United States. For nearly 5 million Floridians who are receiving health care through Medicare, this could mean higher premiums and less access to critical medications.

If Trump wants to turn drugs into tariffs, he should limit his focus to countries like China, which poses risks to the US supply chain. However, all imported drugs, especially broad tariffs from major European allies, do not make Americans richer and healthier. They will be against it.

Michelle Flowers is president of Oncology Manager in Florida, a specialized organization that provides information and educational support, implements health policy changes, and addresses government issues for Oncology Practice Managers in Florida.