Millions of Americans are already feeling the effects – and new tariffs could make things worse. 

Medical supply shortages are an ongoing public health concern. With the latest round of tariffs, the situation could soon get much worse. 

Today, a staggering percentage of our essential medications, protective equipment, and pharmaceutical ingredients come from overseas, particularly China.  

Americans witnessed this firsthand during the Covid pandemic, when over 90% of America’s N95 masks and nitrile gloves critical to preventing the spread of the disease came from China. 

It’s an issue that persists even after the pandemic. 78% of the ingredients in the top 100 selling brand-name drugs are imported, and researchers believe that figure is even higher for generic drugs.  

This is not just an economic concern; it’s a national security risk. With the recent onslaught of tariffs and trade wars, medical supply chain disruptions could have serious ramifications. 

RELATED: The Trump Tariffs, in Context 

This isn’t just a problem for doctors or insurance companies to worry about; it could affect all Americans. These are the numbers you need to know, according to the Department of Health and Human Services:  

140 

As of July 2024, 140 medical products were in shortage, mostly drugs but also some life-saving devices like automated external defibrillators (AEDs).  

38.8 Million 

The medical product shortages affected nearly 40 million Americans, that’s 18% of the population. The most widespread shortages were for prescription drugs, but some 10 million adults experienced shortages of overt-the-counter medications.  

24% 

A quarter of people affected by shortages suffered physical health effects as a result. Even more – 32% – reported negative mental health effects from not having access to their medicine on time.  

$559 million 

Health systems spend over $550 million per year managing shortages. $200 million goes toward purchasing alternative treatments, and the extra labor – searching for alternatives, adjusting treatment plans, updating administrative records and insurance paperwork – costs the systems $359 million annually.  

Shortages aren’t some distant or abstract issue – they’re hitting all of us and straining the system. With trade tensions ramping up, it’s a challenge lawmakers can’t afford to ignore. 

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