Trump's tariffs are a new challenge for Big Pharma. Here are the best positioned stocks

Core Insights - The pharmaceutical industry has historically been protected from tariffs due to long-standing trade agreements, but the current administration's focus on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. poses new challenges [1][2] - President Trump has proposed tariffs of up to 25% on imported pharmaceuticals, with potential updates expected in early April [2] - The imposition of tariffs would represent a significant shift for the industry, reversing the effects of a 1994 World Trade Organization agreement that eliminated levies on many pharmaceutical products [3] Industry Impact - Analysts indicate that the pharmaceutical companies have benefited from low tax rates in countries like Ireland, which has attracted U.S. pharmaceutical firms [4] - The complexities of global tax strategies and supply chains may delay companies' ability to adjust to new tariffs, leading to potential negative impacts [5] - Companies such as Merck, AbbVie, Amgen, and Pfizer are identified as facing the highest risks from potential tariffs, while others like Eli Lilly and Gilead have more moderate risks [6]