Internationalism No. 81, November 2025 Page 14 From the series Industry and pharmaceuticals The trade dispute between the United States and the European Union also affects the pharmaceutical sector, with a likely direct impact on the cost of treatment on both sides of the Atlantic. With the Joint Declaration of August 21 st , the White House and the European Commission announced that pharmaceutical products will also be subject to a maximum tariff of 15%. Generic drugs, including their chemical ingredients and precursors, are excluded and should not be subject to duties. Generic medicines, which are no longer protected by patents and are much cheaper than branded ones , make up the majority of medical prescriptions in the United States. A 2023 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report estimated their share at 91%. Tariffs will therefore only affect branded products, which are more innovative, expensive, and still enjoy patent protection. The producti...