New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) The 100 percent tariff on pharmaceuticals, imposed by US President Donald Trump, is set to negatively impact only the United States, rather than India, as per experts who spoke on Friday.

This tariff, which will take effect from October 1, focuses on the importation of branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs, excluding generic medicines.

Akash Jindal, an economist, remarked to IANS, "This will be detrimental for the US, as medications play a crucial role in any economy. In India, our government is continuously working to lower medicine prices."

Businessman Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani added, "This will only affect the US negatively. The tariff imposed by America is fundamentally flawed."

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump announced, "Beginning October 1, 2025, we will enforce a 100 percent tariff on any branded or patented pharmaceutical product, unless a company is establishing their pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in America."

Jindal stated, "By imposing this tariff, the US is increasing the cost of medications for its own citizens. Does the US believe it can construct a new factory by October 1?"

He deemed the tariffs a significant error, cautioning that "the US government will face backlash from its own populace."

"The imposition of a 100 percent tariff will predominantly harm America, not India. The cost of medicines is highest in the US, while India offers the most affordable options. If they seek inflation, let them proceed with this," Hiranandani remarked.

India plays a vital role in stabilizing global healthcare systems, supplying essential oncology drugs, antibiotics, and treatments for chronic illnesses. Currently, India provides more than 45 percent of generic drugs and 15 percent of biosimilars utilized in the US.

The US is the largest export market for India’s pharmaceutical goods. In FY 24, out of India's $27.9 billion in pharma exports, 31 percent or $8.7 billion (Rs 7,72,31 crore) was directed towards the US, as reported by Pharmexcil. Furthermore, an additional $3.7 billion (Rs 32,505 crore) worth of pharmaceutical products were exported in the first half of 2025 alone.

Following Trump's announcement, there was a significant decline in pharmaceutical stocks, with major companies such as Sun Pharma, Biocon, Zydus Lifesciences, Aurobindo Pharma, Dr. Reddy's, Lupin, Cipla, and Torrent Pharma facing the brunt.