Washington, April 9 -- Former US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration is preparing to impose a major tariff on pharmaceutical imports - a move that could spell fresh trouble for India, one of the largest exporters of generic medicines to the United States.

Speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee, Trump said the tariff is intended to encourage drug manufacturers to relocate operations back to the US. So far, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors had remained exempt from the US's broader tariff strategy.

India's Pharma Sector at Risk

India's pharmaceutical exports stood at $27.9 billion in FY24, with nearly $8.7 billion-over 31%-headed to the US, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion C...