Will the US tariff hike open new doors for Indian pharma and medical devices? Here is what experts say

While Indian pharma companies could gain a competitive edge in the US market, the move may disrupt the medical device supply chain and drive-up costs for Indian firms exporting such products.

The proposed tariff hike by the US on Chinese goods, potentially rising to 60%, could alter global trade dynamics, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, experts have said. While Indian pharmaceutical companies could gain a competitive edge in the US market, the move may disrupt the medical device supply chain and drive-up costs for Indian firms exporting such products. 

Though other markets may face a more moderate tariff increase of 10% to 20%, the focus on Chinese goods aims to strengthen US manufacturers. The pharmaceutical generics sector, heavily reliant on Chinese supply chains, is expected to be most affected. 

Chandrachur Datta, Partner at Vector Consulting Group, said the tariff hike could be both a challenge and an opportunity for Indian pharmaceutical companies. “The increase in tariffs on Chinese products could make Indian alternatives more competitive in the US,” he said. However, he stressed that success would depend on Indian manufacturers ensuring product quality, building resilient supply chains, and adhering to US regulatory standards. “Investing in capacity building, transparency, and flexible supply chains will be crucial,” Datta said. 

The impact on the US market is multifaceted. “Higher costs could exacerbate inflation, especially in vital sectors like pharmaceuticals, where affordability is critical,” Datta said. He also highlighted the US’s reliance on China for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which could lead to supply disruptions and price hikes. 

For Indian generic manufacturers to remain competitive in the cost-sensitive US market, they will need to address internal inefficiencies. “Misaligned raw material (RM) and packaging material (PM) inventories often result in incomplete production kits and manufacturing delays,” Datta said. Bottlenecks in production and lengthy turnaround times in quality control (QC) testing also worsen the situation. “Real-time demand forecasting and automation can help optimise RM and PM inventories, while advanced QC techniques can reduce delays,” he said.