Arabic version: أستراليا ترفض الضغط لرفع أسعار الأدوية بعد التعرفة الأمريكية

Australia’s Health Minister Mark Butler has confirmed that the government will not raise drug prices in response to Donald Trump’s recent 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals imported into the United States. According to The Guardian, this decision comes as efforts by the Trump administration to pressure Australian manufacturers into changing their pricing models continue.

Trump’s tariff aims to compel pharmaceutical companies to negotiate drug-pricing deals or relocate production to the US. The new executive order provides large companies with 120 days to announce plans to avoid the tariff, while smaller firms have 180 days. Companies that agree to move manufacturing to the US may qualify for a reduced 20% tariff, alongside other incentives for pricing agreements.

Butler emphasized that Australia would maintain its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which guarantees lower prices for consumers. He stated, “We are not negotiating about those fundamentals,” reinforcing the government’s stance against American pharmaceutical companies’ attempts to alter Australian pricing protections.

Australia exports about $2 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US annually, with CSL Limited, a major manufacturer, being the primary exporter. CSL has recently opened a new manufacturing facility in Illinois and has indicated that it does not expect significant impacts from the new tariffs.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed concern about the potential economic impact of the tariff on local industries, while Communications Minister Anika Wells reiterated that the integrity of the PBS is non-negotiable. Opposition leader Angus Taylor has called on the government to seek exemptions from the tariff, highlighting the challenges faced by Australian exporters in light of the new policy.