Trump to Impose Pharma Levies Soon, Says Open to Deals on Tariffs
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated plans to soon impose tariffs on imported pharmaceutical goods and expressed openness to negotiating auto and reciprocal tariffs in exchange for favorable deals with other countries.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Palm Beach, Florida, for the weekend, Trump confirmed that many countries are interested in making deals in response to his reciprocal tariff proposal.
“It’s possible, if we can get something for the deal,” Trump said. “But, you know, we’ve been taken advantage of for 40 years, maybe more, and it’s just not going to happen anymore. But yeah, I’m certainly open to that.”
The president noted these deals won’t be reached before April 2, when he unveils his reciprocal tariff plan.
“Probably later. It’s a process,” he said.
Trump took questions just moments before landing, as the plane was coming in for a bumpy descent, making it a challenging experience for reporters standing with their equipment. He quickly wrapped up the briefing, asking reporters to sit down.
“Oh-oh, we’re landing right now. I don’t want to see anybody get hurt. Have a good time,” he said.
Before landing, Trump also announced that he would soon unveil tariffs targeting the pharmaceutical industry. He was asked to elaborate on his plans and whether life-saving medications would be exempt from tariffs.
“Well, we’ll be announcing it soon,” Trump told reporters. “But we have to bring pharmaceuticals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, back into our country.”
Trump stated that he intends to set a tariff rate that will encourage companies to produce domestically. He did not specify a particular rate.
Trump also said his recent call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was a positive conversation. Notably, he did not refer to Carney as “Governor,” as he did with his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, nor did he mention his past proposal of making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
“I’ve always loved Canada. We had a very good conversation with the prime minister. They’ve got an election going on, so we’re going to meet after the election,” Trump said.
On March 26, Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on imported cars and car parts in a move aimed at boosting domestic auto manufacturing.
The auto tariffs will go into effect on April 2, the same day that the United States will impose broad reciprocal tariffs on its trading partners. The president has dubbed the date America’s “Liberation Day.”
Some automakers have started considering plans to shift more car production to the United States.
