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Pharma Stocks Aren't in the Clear, Despite Tariff Exemption—Heard on the Street

Pharma Stocks Aren't in the Clear, Despite Tariff Exemption—Heard on the Street

Big pharmaceutical stocks mostly rose after President Trump's executive order exempted medicines from new tariffs. Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson were among the top performers in the S&P 500, with the sector also benefiting from its status as a defensive play.
Still, drugmakers aren't in the clear. Trump singled them out in his remarks Wednesday, saying: 'The pharmaceutical companies are going to come roaring back… because if they don't, they got a big tax to pay.'
That underscores Trump's 'continued appetite to effect change in the industry,' said UBS analyst Trung Huynh. One possible scenario is Trump introduces tariffs specifically targeting pharma—either all at once, or in stages—said Huynh. The president could also pursue tax reform aimed at the industry's offshore tax shelters.
For now, pharma is breathing a sigh of relief. But the reprieve may be temporary.
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Trump announces 'massive' Japan trade deal
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Trump announces 'massive' Japan trade deal

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Independence versus political pressure Trump's criticism of Powell has also expanded to the cost and management of the Fed's $2.5 billion renovation of its historic Washington, D.C. headquarters. Trump and his administration have accused Powell of mismanaging the project and potentially violating oversight rules, describing the renovations as 'ostentatious' and possibly 'fraudulent.' Specific complaints have included claims about luxury features such as rooftop gardens, private dining rooms, and executive elevators—many of which Powell refuted as either standard building updates or mischaracterizations by the administration. Trump has suggested that Powell's handling of the office renovation could be sufficient grounds for removal, although no evidence of fraud has been presented. In contrast, economist El-Erian's opinion of the real scandal is based on institutional credibility and internal scandals. 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For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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