The United States has launched an investigation into Germany's pharmaceutical pricing policies to determine whether they unfairly disadvantage American companies and restrict U.S. commerce.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the probe would examine whether Germany's so-called “persistent underpayment” for innovative medicines is unreasonable or discriminatory.
The investigation, launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, follows months of discussions between Washington and Berlin, according to Greer.
Greer said President Donald Trump believes American patients should not shoulder a disproportionate share of global pharmaceutical research and development costs.
He also criticized reports that Germany is considering measures that could further reduce spending on innovative medicines, calling it a "serious step backwards."
Germany is pursuing healthcare reforms aimed at lowering insurance costs and saving more than €16 billion in healthcare spending.
The move comes amid longstanding criticism of high prescription drug prices in the United States. A 2024 RAND Corporation study found U.S. prescription drug prices were nearly three times higher than those in 33 other countries.
Supporters of Germany’s pricing system argue the policies are designed to keep medicines affordable and control healthcare spending, while Washington says trading partners should contribute more to funding pharmaceutical innovation.
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