Core Viewpoint - The potential implementation of a 100% tariff on all brand-name and patented drugs by the U.S. government starting October 1, 2025, unless companies are building drug manufacturing plants in the U.S. [2] Group 1: Market Reaction - Pharmaceutical stocks in multiple markets, including China, Japan, and South Korea, experienced a collective decline following the announcement [3] - Specific declines included a 3.03% drop in Hengrui Medicine (600276.SH/01276.HK) A-shares and a 2.23% drop in Hong Kong shares, while BeiGene (ONC.NASDAQ/06160.HK/688235.SH) saw a 4.38% drop in A-shares and a 1.55% drop in Hong Kong shares [3] - The Hang Seng Innovative Drug Index (HSIDI) fell by 2.37%, with notable declines in stocks such as Fosun Pharma (600196.SH/02196.HK) down 5.82% and 3SBio (01530.HK) down 5.34% [4] Group 2: Industry Perspectives - Industry experts suggest that Chinese pharmaceutical companies aiming to expand internationally need to consider the potential implementation of this policy and explore possible solutions [5] - Some executives believe that the high cost of drugs in the U.S. may hinder the realization of this policy [5] - Hengrui Medicine's executive noted that the impact of the potential policy would be limited as their exports mainly consist of generic drugs and APIs [5] - Other companies, such as Lepu Biopharma, indicated that their licensing partnerships would not be significantly affected [5] - Investors pointed out that this is a political issue that could change with future administrations, suggesting that while there may be short-term negative impacts, the long-term effects may not be significant [5] Group 3: Historical Context - Historically, pharmaceuticals have been excluded from tariff lists, but President Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs on imported drugs this year [5] - The Trump administration initiated a "232 investigation" under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows for tariffs if imports threaten national security [6] - Previous statements from Trump indicated plans for escalating tariffs on imported drugs, with initial small tariffs leading to potential increases up to 250% [7] Group 4: Investment Commitments - In response to the tariff threats, several multinational pharmaceutical companies have committed to investing in U.S. manufacturing facilities, with significant investments announced by companies like Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, and AstraZeneca [8] - Notably, Novartis and Roche pledged $23 billion and $50 billion respectively over five years, while AstraZeneca committed to a $50 billion investment by 2030 [8]