The Trump administration wants America’s allies to end their unfair trade practices. It’s a worthy objective. And since asking politely hasn’t worked, the administration is amping up the pressure by imposing tariffs on a wide variety of goods. President Trump says medicines are next.
Unless the administration backs down from targeting medicines and their ingredients for tariffs, families across Colorado will soon face higher drug prices and fewer treatment options. And Colorado’s life sciences sector — one of the fastest-growing nationwide and a vital engine of our state’s economy — would be forced to slow down just as it’s gaining momentum.
It makes no sense to treat medicines like ordinary consumer goods. If the government places a 25% tariff on foreign-made electronics or wine, consumers can usually pivot to American-made alternatives. Healthcare doesn’t offer that kind of flexibility. If a patient in Greeley is managing multiple sclerosis with a therapy developed by Switzerland-based Novartis, she can’t simply opt for a different medication manufactured in the United States. Even if an alternative treatment exists, it might not be best for her unique health history.
And it’s not just drugs made outside of the United States at risk. Many medicines made on U.S. soil rely on active pharmaceutical ingredients from Europe. In fact, approximately 30% of all APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) used in medications taken by Americans are sourced from the European Union. If those key imports were taxed, U.S. manufacturers would face higher costs, which would almost certainly be passed down to patients.
Shifting production of these complex medicines and their ingredients to the United States isn’t something that can happen overnight. It would require years to replicate the sophisticated facilities and specialized expertise necessary to make them.
Meanwhile, the new tariffs would prove disastrous for many families that already struggle with out-of-pocket costs. A 2024 survey of Colorado adults found that 70% experienced at least one healthcare “affordability burden” in the previous year, and 68% delayed or went without medical care due to cost concerns. Tariffs on medicines would only exacerbate these challenges.
Colorado’s life sciences economy — a dynamic network of 720 companies employing over 38,000 people — would feel the impact, too. Just look at Tolmar — a key Colorado-based manufacturer of injectable therapies for prostate cancer and other conditions. If pharmaceutical tariffs are imposed, any specialized ingredients from Europe would face steep new costs, and the supply chain would be disrupted — putting local production and jobs in jeopardy.
The administration is right to demand fairer trade terms. But there are smarter ways to apply pressure — whether through tariffs on luxury imports or targeted negotiations. The administration could even impose tariffs on medicines from countries that pose a national security threat like China. But a blanket tariff on all medicines worldwide could have dire consequences including very real health risks to a great many people.
American patients shouldn’t be collateral damage. That’s why, historically, medicines have been left out of trade disputes — because U.S. policymakers recognized that protecting patient access is critical.
The Trump administration’s push to level the playing field with our trading partners is well-intentioned, but it should keep lifesaving drugs off the tariff list and keep families and Colorado’s economy out of the crossfire.
Bob Beauprez served in the House of Representatives from Colorado from 2003-2007 and served on the Ways and Means, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs Committees. He is a former community banker and currently owner of Eagle’s Wing Bison Ranch.
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