US removes tariffs on specialty drugs from India, 19 other nations

The United States has implemented a tariff waiver on specialty pharmaceutical products sourced from 20 countries, positioning India among the beneficiary nations. The decision extends zero per cent tariff rates to a range of specialized medications and their constituent components, providing significant relief to pharmaceutical exporters in the region.

The tariff exemption applies to a broad category of advanced therapeutic drugs. Eligible products include all medications designated for rare diseases, infertility treatments, cellular therapies, gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates—a class of drugs combining antibodies with cytotoxic agents. Animal pharmaceuticals also qualify for the duty-free treatment, as do the raw materials and components used in manufacturing these products.

The move is expected to benefit India's pharmaceutical sector, which has established itself as a major global supplier of specialty and generic medicines. Indian drugmakers producing these categories of medicines will now face reduced barriers when exporting to the American market, potentially strengthening competitiveness and expanding market access.

The tariff waiver reflects broader trade considerations between the United States and its trading partners, balancing commercial interests with health sector priorities. By removing duties on specialty therapeutics, the measure aims to facilitate access to advanced medical treatments while supporting pharmaceutical manufacturers in eligible countries.