U.S. tariffs broaden
U.S. tariff policy is widening from a China‑focused dispute into a broader, sector‑specific instrument that now includes investigations into pharmaceuticals. The House of Commons Library briefing notes a 25% tariff measure in effect from Jan. 14, ongoing negotiations with some countries, investigations into pharma tariffs, and mentions that a 100% tariff was discussed for two categories. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk) The briefing frames this shift as tariffs being treated as a reusable policy tool across multiple sectors rather than a one‑off response. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
U.S. tariff policy now reaches well beyond China, with new sector-by-sector duties and a pharmaceutical action signed on April 2. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk) The House of Commons Library says a 25% U.S. tariff on certain semiconductors took effect from January 14, 2026, while a 10% tariff applies to most other UK goods entering the U.S. under the current framework. The same briefing says Washington is still negotiating tariff terms with some partners. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk) Congressional Research Service said in January that President Donald Trump had increased tariffs on imports from all global partners since returning to office on January 20, 2025, using both emergency powers and Section 232 national-security authority. That report also said the administration released 12 framework statements with partners between April and December 2025, including with the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (congress.gov) Section 232 is the law the White House uses when it says imports threaten national security. Trump used it on semiconductors in a January 14, 2026 proclamation, after the Commerce Department sent him a report on December 22, 2025. (federalregister.gov) That same tool is now being applied to medicines. In an April 2, 2026 proclamation, the White House said Commerce had found imports of pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients threatened U.S. national security because domestic production covered only about 47% of patented drugs distributed in the U.S. and about 15% of patented active ingredients by volume. (whitehouse.gov) The pharmaceutical action followed an investigation that Commerce said began on April 1, 2025. The White House proclamation says the products covered include patented pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and key starting materials. (whitehouse.gov) The Commons Library briefing says pharmaceuticals can enter the U.S. tariff-free from the UK under the U.K.-U.S. Economic Prosperity Deal, in exchange for U.K. commitments on domestic pricing policy. The same briefing says the deal also leaves open possible exemptions for semiconductors and some other goods from future U.S. tariffs. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk) The administration has also widened older metal tariffs. The Commons Library says Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all aluminum, steel, and derivative goods on March 12, 2025, raised that rate to 50% on June 4, and expanded the scope again in August 2025. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk) Some of the toughest rates are aimed at narrow categories rather than whole economies. Trade lawyers summarizing the April 2 pharmaceutical proclamation said it includes tariffs of up to 100% on certain patented drugs and related ingredients, with implementation dates beginning later in 2026. (ropesgray.com, foleyhoag.com) The result is a tariff system that now mixes country-based duties, sector tariffs, negotiated carveouts, and product-specific investigations. The next changes are likely to come less from one big China fight than from whatever sector Washington decides to examine next. (congress.gov, commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
