MedTech Industry Groups Coalesce on Tariff Exemption

Since Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” plans were released during a Rose Garden event at the White House on April 2, global financial markets have reflected concern and anxiety for the uncertain impacts of Trump Tariffs and potential tariff wars. While the S&P lost more than 10% during the week, product availability and cost increases are of particular concern among consumers and makers of medical products.

Following the POTUS announcement, AdvaMed CEO, Scott Whitaker, released a statement expressing disappointment in the Administration’s intent to levy tariffs that will “negatively impact American medical technology and innovation.” Industries with a meaningful humanitarian mission have been exempted from broad tariffs previously, according to Whitaker.

AdvaMed, a leading MedTech industry association, joined 9 other medical industry groups in drafting a letter to U.S. Trade Representative, Jameison Greer, in support of the administration’s focus to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ and to express concern about the impact of tariffs on medical and dental supplies, equipment, and devices. “These products are lifesaving, life-sustaining, and help deliver the timely care Americans need,” the letter states. “We are concerned that tariffs placed on medical and dental equipment threaten to disrupt the supply chain and raise costs for these critical items. This ultimately places further financial pressure on providers, hospitals, and health systems, particularly those located in rural and medically underserved areas.”

“We are also concerned that increased costs on medical and dental supplies could impede our ability to improve treatment outcomes, foster innovation, and meet the growing needs of pediatric and adult populations.” The letter referenced a Black Book Market Research poll citing expected cost increases by hospital and health system executives. In the report, 88% of executives forecast a minimum 18% spike in medical equipment costs by Q4 2025, with 94% expecting 33% or more for critical devices affected by China and EU import penalties. Nearly half have called executive task forces or crisis response teams to address the escalating economic impact on operations and care delivery.

The collective groups signing the letter say they look forward to working with the Trump administration and other agencies to advance policies that improve the health outcomes of Americans. However, they requested medical and dental supplies, equipment, and devices be exempt from tariffs to prevent further escalation of health care costs and ensure patient accessibility to these products.

The post MedTech Industry Groups Coalesce on Tariff Exemption appeared first on MedTech Intelligence.