Starting on Wednesday, President Trump's import tariffs could raise prices for brand-name drugs in Houston and Georgia. In Houston, a 100% tariff on imported name-brand medications may double some prescription costs. About 90% of U.S. prescriptions are generics and are not affected, but specialty name-brand drugs could cost more. Dr. Margaret Kidd from the University of Houston said, "The access will be there. The question is how much of this tariff gets passed along to the consumer," as reported by KHOU. Some residents, like Vanessa Celestino, said the higher costs are a concern.
In Clarkston, Georgia, pharmacists at Global Pharmacy, including Suleman Daya, said import taxes on drugs could raise costs for the local community of refugees and low-income workers. Daya told CBS News Atlanta, "I think it's going to affect many of the manufacturers in the United States because the raw material comes from abroad." Customers like Allauddin Babwani said the tariffs would affect them, with Babwani stating, "It will affect my wallet." Programs like the Georgia Drug Card provide some help, but it is unclear how much they will reduce the cost increase.
Patients and pharmacists are concerned about rising drug prices. Only generic medications and drugs from companies with U.S. facilities are exempt from the tariff. The full impact on consumers will become clear once the tariff takes effect.
