Pages

logo

logo

Thursday, July 23, 2026

23/07/26, Dr Reddy's Labs on 200% tariff which imposes burden on US public

Dr Reddy's Laboratories does not see it as practical to shift generic drug manufacturing to the US in response to US President Donald Trump's proposed pharmaceutical tariffs, with CEO Erez Israeli saying higher medicine prices -- not factory relocations -- would be the more likely outcome if the levies are implemented.

Israeli was responding to Trump's proposed phased tariff regime, under which generic medicines would remain duty-free for two years before tariffs rise to 100 percent in 2028 and 200 percent from 2029, as part of a broader push to bring pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the US. Indian drugmakers supply around 40-50 percent of generic prescriptions in the US, making them among the most exposed to any policy shift.

"We are not going to do anything special because of the announcement today. We will learn and accordingly evolve," Israeli said during the company's post-earnings media interaction on July 23.

He added that if tariffs are eventually imposed, "we'll have to raise the price in the United States," arguing that the economics of generic medicines make large-scale manufacturing shifts unviable

 The CEO said industry bodies in both India and the US would engage with policymakers to better understand Washington's intentions before companies take any significant decisions.

He added that Dr Reddy's would wait for official guidelines before considering any response.

Israeli's comments echo broader concerns across the pharmaceutical industry.

Analysts and industry experts argue that a large-scale shift in generic drug manufacturing to the US would be difficult because the economics of low-cost medicines are fundamentally tied to India's manufacturing base. The proposed two-year transition period also gives companies time to assess their options rather than react immediately.

Asked whether Dr Reddy's would consider technology transfer arrangements or contract manufacturing partnerships in the US as a hedge against future tariffs, Israeli said the company remained open to opportunities that made commercial sense.

"We will always be open to anything that is good for the business and for customers," he said.

Israeli pointed to markets such as Russia and parts of the Middle East, where localisation requirements have prompted the company to transfer manufacturing capabilities when necessary.

However, he stressed that the US situation is different.

"Given the magnitude and the cost difference between the countries... I believe we are very far from the need to take those steps," he said.

"If it is required, we are always open. We are a very flexible company."

Israeli's measured stance reflects the broader response from India's pharmaceutical industry.

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance has said Indian drugmakers already operate more than 40 facilities in the US and play a critical role in ensuring medicine security and supply-chain resilience.

For now, Dr Reddy's remains focused on business execution.

The company has maintained its growth outlook despite a temporary setback in its semaglutide business and continues to see strong growth across India, emerging markets and the US.

Report by Pilla 
Network18

No comments:

Today's

23/07/26, Market for Today

The Nifty 50 succumbed to selling pressure, declining 0.8 percent to end just below the psychological 24,000 mark on July 22, as escalating ...