STAT+: Top U.S. officials pressured Germany to pay more for prescription drugs

STAT PlusExclusive Top U.S. officials pressured Germany to pay more for prescription drugs Switzerland, Japan are also key targets in drug spending push, after U.K. victory Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Daniel PayneMay 15, 2026 Washington Correspondent Daniel Payne[email protected]Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. WASHINGTON — Over a recent breakfast, U.S. officials had a message for the German ambassador: pay more for pharmaceuticals. The meeting, between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, chief health department adviser Chris Klomp, and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld, was part of a larger push from the Trump administration to get other countries to pay more for medications as the U.S. pays less, according to a person familiar with the meeting.Advertisement The U.S. officials discussed the possible use of tariffs under Section 301 — which grants the government authority to combat trade practices considered “unfair.” The move would be similar to the tactic of threatening new tariffs to get other countries to pay more for drugs. The ambassador agreed to review the matter with officials in Germany, but no deal was made, the person said. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, Drug prices, HHS, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+, White House Submit a correction requestReprints Daniel Payne Washington Correspondent Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended D.C. Diagnosis May 14, 2026 STAT Plus: The hunt for FDA’s next leader The Readout May 14, 2026 STAT Plus: BeOne wins FDA approval in lymphoma race Advertisement The Readout May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Gene therapy viruses linked to a boy’s tumor The Readout May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Hims’ sales miss as telehealth competition grows The Readout May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Astellas treatment offers new hope to a devastated rare disease community Subscriber Picks