politics

April 2, 2026

UK drug exports to US spared tariffs under deal critics say will cost NHS billions

‘Partnership’ on drug pricing also gives patients in Britain greater access to potentially life-extending treatments

UK drug exports to US spared tariffs under deal critics say will cost NHS billions

TL;DR

  • British drug exports to the US will not face tariffs under a new UK-US medicines deal.
  • The deal aims to increase patient access to potentially life-extending drugs in the UK.
  • The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has increased the NHS spending limit per treatment from £30,000 to £35,000 annually.
  • The government anticipates the deal will protect 50,000 pharmaceutical jobs and encourage investment in the UK.
  • Critics warn the increased spending commitment on new medicines (£9bn a year by 2035) will be a significant cost to the NHS, outweighing the benefits of avoiding £5bn in tariffs.
  • The Liberal Democrats and campaign groups have raised concerns about transparency and the potential financial impact on the NHS.
  • The full text of the deal was not immediately made available, leading to criticism about secrecy.
  • The first two drugs approved under the new regime are for brain cancer and a rare stomach cancer.

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