The US relies on China for key medicines. They won’t be spared from tariffs

President Trump’s tariffs in China are in place and hitting all products imported from the country — including a number of pharmaceutical drugs that Americans rely upon.

Chinese imports account for a significant proportion of U.S. prescriptions and over the counter drugs. Many of the Chinese-produced drugs are generics, which account for 91 percent of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S.

“The Chinese market is a key supplier for key starting materials and [Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)] to the generic supply chain,” said John Murphy, president and CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM).

Tariffs may cause shortages, industry exits
The margins for manufacturing generic drugs are razor-thin, and any disruptions to the supply chain are apt to cause shortages or delays.

“That additional 10 percent tariff is going to have a fairly significant impact on the cost of goods for the generic and by a similar supply chain,” said Murphy. “We don’t hold massive stockpiles of generic drugs in the United States. It’s a fairly just-in-time inventory.”

According to Murphy, some manufacturers may find it economically unviable to produce generic drugs, resulting in shortages.

Complete Article

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5133762-us-china-pharmaceutical-drugs-prescriptions-trump-tariffs/

 

[1LoverofGod]

I've noticed that many pharmacies are having to back order some medications due to supply shortages.
My grandson has been waiting for two weeks now for one medication he takes and because of his being on the Kaiser health plan he can't go just anywhere to fill his prescriptions.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

The VA isn't shipping as early as they used to, so I've come very, very close to not having my medication.

Another of my medications is being switched from name-brand to a generic, supposedly throughout the VA. The generic is made with a carcinogen. I hope this medication is one that's affected, so we can all stay on that name brand (it makes a HUGE difference). My doc is the one, who wrote the exception policy, so I'm wondering if maybe it's only the VAMC I go to. I may go outside the VA and use Medicare and Tricare for Life to avoid the issue. I shouldn't have to do this, as the medication is for a service-connected thing

 

[Margery]

In Canada a lot of our generics are made over in India, so hopefully America can break off a dangerous dependence on China for necessary meds. India shouldn't be under any sanctions.