U.S. tariffs on Singapore-based pharma companies postponed - report

[Singapore skyline of financial district with modern office buildings and Merlion Park as seen from Esplanade.]
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The implementation of the U.S. 100% tariff on Singapore's pharmaceutical exports—originally scheduled to take effect October 1, 2025—has been delayed to allow pharmaceutical companies time to negotiate possible exemptions with the U.S. administration, _The Straits Times_ reported.

The postponed 100% tariff specifically targets branded or patented pharmaceutical products unless the exporting companies are building U.S.-based manufacturing plants.

Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, told the Parliament on October 14 that the imposition of this duty has been postponed to give pharmaceutical companies time to work out exemptions with the U.S. Ms. Gan went on to say that it is unclear if these businesses will be liable for the levy when their construction is finished.

“We are working our best to negotiate for the good of our Singapore economy and the companies here,” she added [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/singapore-based-pharma-firms-awaiting-confirmation-on-tariff-exemption].

Singapore exported about $3.7 billion a year on average between 2022 and 2024 in pharmaceuticals to the U.S.

Among major names that have facilities in Singapore are Pfizer (PFE [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PFE]), Amgen (AMGN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMGN]), Merck & Co (MRK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MRK]), Novartis (NVS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NVS]) and AbbVie (ABBV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ABBV]).

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