Are US pharma tariffs a risk for Sun Pharma?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The US is imposing a 100% tariff on patented drugs.
- Sun Pharma may experience limited financial impact.
- The majority of Indian exports are in generics.
- Sun Pharma relies on international manufacturing partners.
- Experts believe the tariff could harm the US more than India.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) The recent announcement by the United States to enforce a 100% tariff on imports of patented medications starting October 1 has sparked worries for Sun Pharma, according to a report released on Friday.
HSBC Global Investment Research's findings suggest that while this action represents a significant headline risk, the overall financial repercussions for the Indian pharmaceutical giant are expected to be minimal.
This new policy by the US targets only patented or branded medicines, leaving out generic drugs, which constitute the majority of Indian pharmaceutical exports.
As a result, most Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers are unlikely to be impacted. However, Sun Pharma, which derives approximately 17% of its revenue from patented products in the US, may experience pressure on earnings if it fails to adjust its supply chain.
HSBC projects that 8–10% of Sun Pharma's earnings per share for FY26–FY27 could face downside risk in the worst-case scenario.
The company currently depends on international contract manufacturing partners for its patented products, sourcing critical components from South Korea and Europe.
Crisil Ratings also indicated that the impact of these tariffs on the Indian pharmaceutical sector would remain limited, as exports to the US are predominantly generics.
Anuj Sethi, Senior Director at Crisil Ratings, noted that many domestic companies have a minimal share of patented drugs in their portfolios, and the cost burden of tariffs is likely to be transferred to customers in most instances.
He further emphasized that robust balance sheets and existing manufacturing facilities in the US bolster the sector’s resilience.
Moreover, experts concurred that the 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals, enforced by US President Donald Trump, is more likely to be detrimental to the US than to India.
The 100% tariff, effective from October 1, specifically targets the importation of branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs while exempting generic medicines.