Washington – Arab Canada News

A new study warns that the tariffs recently imposed by the United States on Canadian drugs could lead to disruptions in vital supply chains, including essential medicines such as antibiotics and HIV treatments, threatening serious public health consequences in both countries.

The study, conducted by the Pharmaceutical Policy Research Center at New York University, showed that the tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump's "America First" policy could increase the cost of importing drugs from Canada by up to 15%, potentially pushing some U.S. suppliers to reduce order volumes or delay shipments.

Concerns over shortages of essential medicines

The study's authors stated that among the medications at greatest risk are:

• Widely used antibiotics such as amoxicillin

• Antiretroviral drugs used in HIV treatment

• Medications used in intensive care and hospitals

According to the report, about 22% of generic drug imports in the United States come from Canada, making the U.S. market vulnerable to fluctuations arising from trade tensions.

Warnings of health and economic repercussions

The researchers noted that such tariffs could lead to rising drug prices in the U.S. market and increase pressure on low-income patients, as well as the likelihood of recurring drug shortages experienced by hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report also warned that the measure “could be met with retaliatory actions from the Canadian side,” complicating bilateral relations between Ottawa and Washington.

Calls to prioritize humanitarian considerations

Experts called for a reassessment of the trade policy regarding the healthcare sector, emphasizing that “medicine is not a negotiable commodity, but a humanitarian necessity that cannot be delayed or politicized.”