Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Press United States for clarity and wider tariff relief for UK pharmaceutical exports.
Recommendation
The Government should continue to press for clarity from the United States on the conditions attached to future preferential access for UK pharmaceutical exports, and, where appropriate, secure wider tariff relief for scientific and medical products. Given the positive outcome secured for the aerospace sector, the Government should seek a similar resolution for pharmaceuticals, recognising that both are traditionally tariff-free sectors. (Recommendation, Paragraph 82)
Government Response Summary
The government affirms its commitment to the UK pharmaceutical sector within its Industrial Strategy and states it will continue to press the US for outcomes that deliver benefits for UK industry, aligning with the recommendation to seek clarity and wider tariff relief.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In our Industrial Strategy, we set a bold ambition for the UK to be the leading life sciences economy in Europe by 2030, and the third most important globally by 2035, backed by over £2 billion in Government funding. This Government remains firmly committed to supporting the UK’s pharmaceutical sector. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals are critical to our economy and Plan for Change so we continue to press the US for outcomes that reflect the strength of our relationship and deliver real benefits for UK industry through our Industrial Strategy. In the face of global trade challenges, including US tariffs, we will continue to work closely with industry to ensure resilience, competitiveness, and continued innovation across all affected sectors.