Belgium calls on EU for united front against new US tariffs on medicines

Belgium has called on the European Union to act unitedly and coordinately to counter US President Donald Trump's intention to introduce significant tariffs on the import of generic drugs. This was stated by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, as quoted by the Belga agency.

According to Prévot, global production chains in the pharmaceutical sector are closely linked, meaning that the imposition of trade barriers will have negative consequences not only for the US but also for patients in Europe. He emphasized that the EU must protect innovation and ensure security of supply through a common response.

The specificity of the situation is that the US is a key market for the Belgian pharmaceutical industry, accounting for more than half of the country's exports to the American market. Trump's plans envision that from August 2028, the import of generic drugs into the US will be subject to a 100% tariff, whereas until now these products were exempt from such fees.

The European Parliament is also expressing concern. Kathleen Van Brempt, MEP and Vice-Chair of the Committee on International Trade, warned that the new measures could violate existing trade agreements between the EU and the US. She pointed out that according to current agreements, European medicines, their ingredients, and raw materials should only be subject to standard tariffs.

"If tariffs of 100 to 200 percent are imposed on European products, this will violate the agreement and seriously jeopardize its implementation," said Van Brempt. She called on the European Commission to immediately request an official clarification from Washington regarding future trade policy.