Trump Announces New Tariffs, Including 100% on Pharmaceuticals, Prompting EU Response
WASHINGTON D.C. – september 26,2025 – Former President Donald Trump has unveiled a new wave of tariffs targeting a broad range of imports,including a important 100% duty on pharmaceuticals,50% on furniture,and 25% on trucks. The move promptly drew a response from the European Union, which asserts existing agreements will shield it from the most damaging effects, while simultaneously preparing counter-measures focused on Chinese steel and derivatives.
The tariffs,announced today,represent a considerable escalation in trade tensions and threaten to disrupt global supply chains. The pharmaceutical levy is especially contentious,raising concerns about access to essential medicines and potential price increases for consumers. The EU, however, indicated it anticipates being largely protected from the pharmaceutical tariffs due to pre-existing agreements. Simultaneously, Brussels is preparing to implement extended defensive duties – oscillating between 25% and 50% – on steel and its derivatives originating from China, citing global overcapacity and existing high rates.
According to sources, the EU is also considering measures to prioritize European products in public procurement. These include stipulations for the use of european “green steel” in major infrastructure projects like metropolitans, bridges, and railway lines. Furthermore, incentives are being explored to encourage large companies and car rental agencies to favor European-made electric vehicles for their fleets.
European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič expressed optimism for a resolution, stating, “We should be able to find a solution – it is indeed Sefcovic’s hope: we are not the problem of each other.” The Commission plans to send a letter to Washington outlining a concrete proposal, emphasizing existing European safeguard measures on steel “in the light of global supercability and high rates on derivatives that create difficulties for many companies,” a clear reference to trade dynamics with China. The EU maintains that its exports of steel and aluminum to the U.S. are limited and concentrated in “highly specialized segments.”
