Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that a global trade war triggered by US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies could threaten the UK’s access to essential medicines.
Streeting said the situation presents “another layer of challenge” for the UK’s medicine manufacturing and distribution systems. Speaking on Sky News Breakfast with Wilfred Frost, he stressed that the government is “constantly watching and acting” to ensure medicine availability despite rising global trade tensions.
President Trump has imposed a sweeping 10% tariff on all imports into the US, along with a 25% tariff specifically targeting imported vehicles. These moves have sparked fears of a broader global trade conflict. Although pharmaceuticals have not yet been directly targeted, experts worry they could be included in future rounds of tariffs.
“There were already international challenges with the production and supply of medicines,” said Streeting. “Now, if tariffs on pharmaceuticals are introduced, that adds yet another complication.”
Streeting added that the government is taking proactive steps to manage the impact, including adjusting how medicines are dispensed to handle shortages. “This is an extremely turbulent situation—whether it’s affecting medicine supplies, manufacturing parts, or businesses’ bottom lines.”
The health secretary’s comments came shortly after the government announced it had recruited over 1,500 new GPs since October 1.