On Saturday, President Trump ordered import tax on goods from Canada, China and Mexico, a relocation that could increase the costs for consumers in the economy, including in health care.
Rates of 25% on import from Canada (except energy) and Mexico, and 10% on goods from China will take effect on Tuesday. Trump said the rates will remain in force until those countries stop the flow of fentanyl and immigrants without papers to the United States.
China is a large and growing producer of pharmaceutical ingredients, and prices can go up for finished medicines if the costs for their ingredients increase. Mexico is the best source of medical aids used in the US, according to Industrie Group Advamed. All price increases can ultimately be filled in if manufacturers move more production to the US or other countries that are not subject to the extra taxes.
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