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.

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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.

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