US Pharmacists Stockpile Generics Amid Trump Pharma Tariff Threat

Independent pharmacists across the U.S. are stockpiling generic drugs to prepare for potential price hikes and supply disruptions following President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, which could raise costs and exacerbate drug shortages. Pharmacists like Ben Jolley and Scott Pace are buying large quantities of essential medications to shield their businesses from the 10% tariffs, expressing concern that increased costs will be passed down without relief, threatening small pharmacies with razor-thin margins. While the tariffs aim to bring drug manufacturing back to the U.S. to reduce dependence on China and India, experts warn this shift will take time and could disrupt supplies in the short term. Indian pharmaceutical leaders, however, downplay the impact of potential tariffs on their exports, citing the resilience and scale of their industry and suggesting that the U.S. price controls target Big Pharma's pricing rather than generics. Meanwhile, large pharmaceutical companies like Merck have shown resilience in stock markets despite the announcement of the executive order enforcing "most favored nation" drug pricing, indicating market belief that the changes may be more rhetoric than immediate threat. This mixed landscape highlights the complexity of U.S. efforts to lower drug costs while managing supply chain risks and international trade dynamics.