Archive · 2 Dec 2025
US, UK Agree on Zero Tariffs for Pharmaceuticals
The United States and the United Kingdom have made a deal to stop charging extra money (tariffs) on medicines and medical technology for three years.
This means the UK can send these products to the US without paying extra taxes.
In return, UK drug companies will invest more in the US and create more jobs there.
The UK will also spend more money on new and effective treatments.
The deal is good for both countries because it helps UK patients get better medicines faster and supports the medical supply chain.
It also makes sure that US pharmaceutical companies can keep producing and selling their products in the UK.
US and UK agree to zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical ingredients, and medical technology for three years.
UK drug firms commit to investing more in the US and creating more jobs.
UK government will invest around 25 per cent more in new and effective treatments.
The deal secures and expands access to vital drugs for NHS patients and safeguards Britain’s medical supply chain.
The agreement is hailed as a win by both the US and UK, with officials from both countries praising its benefits.
- Who
- United States and United Kingdom governments
- What
- Agreement to zero tariffs on pharmaceutical products, pharmaceutical ingredients, and medical technology imports for three years, with the UK committing to increased investment in new treatments and US pharmaceutical companies
- When
- Announced on Monday
- Where
- White House, United States
- Why
- To secure and expand access to vital drugs, safeguard Britain’s medical supply chain, drive crucial investment, and ensure UK patients get cutting-edge medicines sooner
US Perspective
UK Perspective
Tariff Exemption
US Perspective
The US exempts UK pharmaceuticals, ingredients, and medical technology from import taxes for three years to secure more investment and jobs in the US.
UK Perspective
The UK secures a zero per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals to the US, benefiting its exports and medical supply chain.
Investment and Jobs
US Perspective
UK drug firms commit to investing more in the US and creating more jobs as part of the deal.
UK Perspective
The UK government will invest around 25 per cent more in new and effective treatments, the first major increase in such spending in over two decades.
- Countries Involved
- United States and United Kingdom
- Products Affected
- Pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical ingredients, and medical technology
- Duration of Tariff Exemption
- Three years
- US Health Secretary
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- UK Science and Technology Secretary
- Liz Kendall
- UK's Increased Investment in New Treatments
- Around 25 per cent more
- US White House Spokesman
- Kush Desai
Sources
US, UK to agree to zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals, announcement expected, sources say
US, UK announce deal on pharmaceutical tariffs, drug pricing
UK, US Agree Zero-Tariff Deal on Pharmaceuticals
US exempts UK from tariff on pharmaceuticals, medical technology imports for three years
US, UK seal zero tariff pharmaceutical deal as NHS pledges to pay more for drugs—Key points
