US president, Donald Trump, has issued a hammer blow to the pharmaceutical sector by announcing a 100% tariff on drug imports.
The tariff will apply to all companies, unless they’ve begun to construct a US based manufacturing plant.
What this means for the two Swiss drug giants, Novartis and Roche, is unclear at the moment – but both companies have already announced they plan to invest billions in the United States over the next five years.
Trump has previously demanded drug prices need to fall in the US.
The market in the United States has long been known as a gold mine for the pharmaceutical companies as they charge the most in the US.
Trump has railed against the situation in the past.
This weekend's votes
Cross border shopping booms
Foreigners do not hike health costs
Rats in the stadium
Plans to bring injured Gaza children to Switzerland
20 charges against Lausanne car attacker
