Pharma companies in a flux over Trump's 200% tariff move on generics

India's $30-billion pharma industry is staring at a fresh challenge after US President Donald Trump announced that generic medicines imported into the US would face tariffs of 100% from Aug 2028 and 200% a year later, unless companies relocate manufacturing to the US.The announcement has significant implications for India, which supplies nearly 47% of generic prescriptions dispensed in the US, and ships 38% of its pharma exports totalling $10 billion to the American market.While generic medicines remain exempt from tariffs over the next two years, the real challenge begins for domestic companies after two years. Industry experts warn that 100-200% duties could make certain generic exports commercially unviable and squeeze margins. For Americans, tariffs could push up prices of low-cost medicines.The two-year window suggests the proposal is being viewed more as a "negotiating lever", and allows Indian exporters time to recalibrate supply chains and investment strategies.