US opens door to levies on microchips, pharmaceuticals; Trump hints at auto tariff pause

The United States has opened the door to potential tariffs targeting pharmaceuticals and semiconductor imports, according to government filings Monday, shortly after President Donald Trump warned recent tech exclusions would only be temporary. It’s the second time Trump has alluded to a levy on drug imports. On April 8, the President said the US would announce a “major” tariff on pharmaceutical imports - raising a concern for NZ’s Douglas Pharmaceuticals and NZX-listed AFT Pharmaceuticals.

READ MORE: Douglas Pharmaceuticals installs AI-driven robots, faces up to tariff threat Meanwhile, Trump hinted at a pause in auto industry tariffs. “I’m looking at something to help some of the car companies with it,” the President told a gathering at the White House..