Archive · 20 Sep 2025
Novartis CEO: Stockpiles Ready for Potential Trump Tariffs
Imagine a big medicine company called Novartis.
They are worried that the US government might start charging extra fees, called tariffs, on their medicines.
To be ready, the company has stored up lots of medicine in the United States.
The CEO says they have enough medicine to last a long time, until about the middle of 2026.
The company is also working to make their important medicines in the US.
It might take a few years, but they hope to avoid the extra fees by making the medicines here.
They are prepared for different situations, depending on what the government decides about these fees.
Novartis has increased pharmaceutical stockpiles in the U.S.
The stockpiles are expected to last until mid-2026.
Pharmaceuticals are currently exempt from 39% tariffs on Switzerland.
The U.S. reached a trade deal with the EU that includes a 15% tariff on certain drugs.
Novartis is planning to manufacture key products in the U.S. to mitigate tariffs.
- Who
- Novartis and its CEO, Vas Narasimhan
- What
- Novartis has increased pharmaceutical stockpiles in the U.S. in response to potential tariffs.
- When
- The interview was published on Saturday, September 20, with details from the recent months.
- Where
- United States and Switzerland.
- Why
- To prepare for potential tariffs on pharmaceuticals from President Trump.
- Company
- Novartis
- CEO
- Vas Narasimhan
- Stockpile Duration
- Until mid-2026
- Tariffs on Switzerland
- 39%
- US-EU Trade Deal
- 15% tariff on pharmaceuticals (except some generics)