Trump’s tariff threat exposes China’s tight grip on the global pharmaceuticals industry

It’s the most prescribed antibiotic in the United States, used by tens of millions of people every year to treat bacterial infections including pneumonia, stomach ulcers, and strep throat. Yet, it isn’t exactly common knowledge that amoxicillin, a relative of penicillin that has been in chronic short supply, has only one manufacturer in the US, or that China controls 80% of the raw materials required for its production.

That’s a major concern as US President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, throwing a spotlight on America’s dependence on critical drug supplies from abroad.

“Increasing trade hostilities or more protracted conflicts could devastate our access to amoxicillin or the ingredients used to make it should Beijing weaponize its supply chain dominance,” Rick Jackson, founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, which owns America’s sole amoxicillin manufacturer, told CNN.

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