Landmark UK-US pharmaceuticals deal to safeguard medicines access and drive vital investment for UK patients and businesses
GOV.UK3 days
UK Secures Zero Tariffs on US Pharma Exports in Trade Deal
Does the deal force U.K. taxpayers to subsidize inflated drug prices, or end Britain's freeloading on American patients?
Above: Boxes containing various pharmaceutical products on display in the pharmacy department of a drugstore in London, U.K. Image credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg /Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
The U.S.-U.K. deal forces taxpayers to pay an extra £3 billion while the NHS budget for medicines balloons from 9.5% to 12%. It raises drug prices by 25% and weakens cost-effectiveness standards that protected patients from overpriced treatments, all to appease Trump's demand that Europe subsidize U.S. pharmaceutical profits.
Pro-Trump narrative
This landmark agreement finally ends decades of Britain freeloading off American patients who've been forced to subsidize the world's drug costs. The deal secures zero tariffs on £5 billion worth of U.K. pharmaceutical exports while ensuring fair pricing that will fuel innovation and bring cutting-edge treatments to patients.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 50% chance that at least 81 drugs will be approved by the FDA in 2035, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
The Controversies
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0