Trump's decision to impose 145% tariffs from goods in China, effective since April 10, though it is on pause, will pose challenges on supply chains, affordable medication and health-care access.
Courtesy of Rokas at Adobe Stock
President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on imports from about 90 nations, applying a 10% baseline tax to all imports to the U.S., with some countries’ imports dramatically exceeding that baseline, and while this action was put on pause for 90 days until early July, if this plan carries out, it could affect medspas and practices that depend on medical supplies and devices manufactured overseas, and also their patients.
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President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on imports from about 90 nations, applying a 10% baseline tax to all imports to the U.S., with some countries’ imports dramatically exceeding that baseline, and while this action was put on pause for 90 days until early July, if this plan carries out, it could affect medspas and practices that depend on medical supplies and devices manufactured overseas, and also their patients.
“The uncertainty of imposed tariffs along with generalized lack of clarity have led both surgeons and consumers alike to consider delaying the incorporation of new technology or proceeding with aesthetic and cosmetic interventions,” says Anthony Brissett, MD, FACS, facial plastic surgeon and president-elect for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Surgeons Brace for Rising Costs and Drug Shortages Amid Uncertain U.S.-China Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals
Plastic surgeon Anil Shah, MD worries about the cost of surgery that is likely to go up as many of the drugs surgeons rely on for infections, anesthesia, swelling and pain management use pharmaceutical ingredients sourced and shipped from China.
Trump's decision to impose 145% tariffs from goods in China, effective since April 10, though it is on pause for now, will pose challenges on supply chains, affordable medication and health-care access [1]. Pharmaceutical categories and what exactly will fall under tariffs are still unknown and in the process of being determined [2].
President Trump said on Jan. 27 that he would announce new tariffs on computer chips, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. On Feb. 18 he announced the rates on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals would be “25% and higher,” but according to the Tax Foundation, the authority to impose these tariffs has not been specified [2].
Depending on category specifications, anesthetic drugs, including propofol and inhalational anesthetics, as well as fentanyl that some practices rely on for surgical procedures like liposuction and facelifts will be affected, as these are all imported from China.
“Many of these products are on backorder already so the supply chain issues may affect surgery,” Shah says.
Although the uncertainty around these orders is causing financial strain, as Brissett explains, we may see a shift toward more affordable, non-surgical options, he says, and patients may choose to delay more costly elective surgical procedures.
“I suspect that its impact over the long-term will be less likely to have a significant and lasting impact on demand,” Brissett says.
A majority of medical devices are manufactured in China, particularly lasers, and also necessary everyday items like surgical gloves, syringes and masks.Courtesy of Sergio Hayashi at Adobe StockBotox May Face 20%+ Tariff Under Uncertain EU Trade Policy, While U.S.-Made Weight Loss Drugs Remain Exempt
Although pharmaceutical categories remain unknown and unspecified, Botox is labeled as a pharmaceutical and could potentially face a 20% or higher tariff, as it is manufactured in Westport, Ireland, at the Allergan Pharmaceuticals facility. Trump announced plans on Feb. 26 to impose tariffs of 25% on imports from the European Union. The authority to impose these tariffs, like the ones on pharmaceuticals, has not been specified, however. On April 2, Trump proclaimed that imports from the EU would be 20% [2].
Weightloss drugs such as Ozempic and Wagovy, however, will remain unaffected, as these are manufactured in the U.S.
Tariffs on Global Medical Devices Could Drive Up Costs for Fillers, Lasers, and Essential Surgical Supplies
Fillers, however, are considered medical devices, and since medical devices are classified as products imported from other countries, the tariffs could vary by country.
Jeuveau is made in South Korea, while Dysport is manufactured in England and Xeomin in Germany. Almost all of the facial fillers are made in Europe, so expect those prices to go up accordingly, Shah says, and in turn the cost of treatment.
A majority of medical devices are manufactured in China, particularly lasers, and also necessary everyday items like surgical gloves, syringes and masks. The tariff percentage for goods from China began at the 10% baseline, then increased to 20%, plus additional 125% under "reciprocal" tariffs, resulting in the 145% tariff [2].
At this time, the recent tariffs have not significantly impacted the pricing structure for aesthetic surgery or in office procedures for Brissett.
“If you’re thinking of getting something done, you might be better off doing it sooner rather than later as costs are likely to increase,” he adds. “The cost of staying beautiful may have just gone up.”
A majority of medical devices are manufactured in China, particularly lasers, and also necessary everyday items like surgical gloves, syringes and masks.Courtesy of Sergio Hayashi at Adobe Stock
A majority of medical devices are manufactured in China, particularly lasers, and also necessary everyday items like surgical gloves, syringes and masks.Courtesy of Sergio Hayashi at Adobe Stock
