AHA warn tariffs could disrupt critical medical supply chains, endangering patient care

U.S. health care leaders are concerned about the potential impact of President Trump’s tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada on the availability of critical medical supplies. In a letter to the president, the American Hospital Association asked for exceptions to current and proposed tariffs for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

“Despite ongoing efforts to build the domestic supply chain, the U.S. health care system relies significantly on international sources for many drugs and devices needed to both care for patients and protect our health care workers,” wrote Richard J. Pollack, president and CEO of the AHA. “Tariffs, as well as any reaction of the countries on whom such tariffs are imposed, could reduce the availability of these lifesaving medications and supplies in the United States.”