President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on branded pharmaceutical imports starting October 1, aiming to incentivize domestic manufacturing. However, key exemptions for generic drugs, European exports, and firms already breaking ground on U.S. facilities limit the immediate impact. The move introduces uncertainty into months of ongoing industry negotiations and trade deals, with the administration's efforts entwined with a Section 232 investigation into national security implications of pharma imports. The complexities inherent in defining "building" and existing trade agreements further cloud the tariff enforcement landscape.