Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jul 16: US President Donald Trump has said his administration may begin imposing tariffs on pharmaceutical imports by the end of the month, with a similar timeline expected for duties on semiconductors. The proposed tariffs are part of a broader push to reduce American reliance on foreign supply chains and boost domestic manufacturing.

Speaking to reporters after an event in Pittsburgh, Trump stated, “Probably at the end of the month, and we are going to start off with a low tariff and give pharmaceutical companies a year or so to build, and then we’re going to make it a very high tariff.”

Trump hinted that the initial pharmaceutical tariff would be modest, but could rise as high as 200% after a year-long grace period, giving companies time to set up manufacturing facilities within the U.S.

On semiconductors, Trump described the situation as “less complicated” and confirmed that the implementation timeline for chip tariffs would be “similar” to that of pharmaceuticals, though he did not elaborate on specific rates.

These potential tariffs follow national security investigations initiated in April under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which gives the President authority to restrict imports deemed harmful to national security. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had earlier confirmed the probes into both pharmaceuticals and semiconductors were expected to conclude by the end of this month.

Earlier in July, Trump had also announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper, reinforcing his administration’s hardline trade stance aimed at protecting U.S. industries and reducing dependency on foreign sources.

With these latest comments, Trump signaled an escalation in his protectionist trade agenda, making it clear that major sectors like pharma and tech would be central to his strategy if re-elected.