Washington – Arab Canada News

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

The study, prepared by the Drug Policy Research Center at New York University, showed that the tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump's "America First" policy could raise the cost of importing drugs from Canada by as much as 15%, potentially causing some American suppliers to reduce order volumes or delay shipments.

Concerns About Essential Drug Shortages

The study's authors noted that among the drugs most at risk are:

• Widely used antibiotics such as amoxicillin

• Antiretroviral medications used in the treatment of HIV

• Medications used in intensive care units and hospitals

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

Warnings of Health and Economic Implications

Researchers pointed out that such tariffs could lead to higher drug prices in the U.S. market and increased pressure on low-income patients, as well as the potential for a recurrence of drug shortage scenarios faced by hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Calls for Humanitarian Considerations

Experts urged a reconsideration of the trade policy concerning the healthcare sector, emphasizing that "medication is not a commodity that can be bargained over, but a humanitarian necessity that cannot be delayed or politicized."