The latest tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump have raised concerns across the pharmaceutical sector. Although current sanctions have mostly spared pharmaceutical products, UK health officials warn that even indirect effects could severely disrupt medicine availability, increase costs, and destabilise long-standing trade routes that supply the National Health Service (NHS).
UK Faces Critical Drug Shortages
Experts say around 85 percent of NHS prescriptions depend on generic drugs, which are already facing severe shortages. Mark Samuels, head of the British Generic Manufacturers Association, noted that 100 essential medicines have been in short supply even during peacetime. The possibility of an extended tariff war could push the situation into crisis mode.
Treat Medicine Supply Like National Defence
Samuels argued that the UK government must treat the pharmaceutical supply chain like a defence issue. He pointed out that antibiotics, which are critical for public health, are no longer produced in Britain. This heavy dependence on foreign suppliers makes the system highly vulnerable in times of geopolitical tension.
UK Firms May Shift to US to Dodge Tariffs
RBC analysts noted that UK-based pharmaceutical companies that rely heavily on exports to the US may consider moving operations to America to avoid rising tariff costs. This could hurt the UK economy while also making medicines more expensive for British patients.
Post-Brexit Trade Rules Worsen Situation
The UK can no longer export medicines manufactured domestically to the EU due to post-Brexit trade rules. However, EU firms can still sell medicines to the UK. This one-sided agreement puts British manufacturers at a disadvantage and adds further pressure to the supply chain.
Government Urged to Act Swiftly
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the situation during an interview and said ministers are watching closely. He emphasised that multiple factors are affecting medicine supply, and tariffs could add another layer of challenge. Experts have suggested measures like stockpiling, encouraging private healthcare, on-shoring manufacturing, and revising trade policies to prepare for the worst.
