US launches trade probe into Germany's plan to lower drug prices

US Department of Commerce announced on June 19, 2026 that it has opened a Section 301 trade investigation targeting Germany’s drug pricing system.

The probe follows Germany’s ongoing review of its healthcare spending, which includes proposals to reduce the amount it pays for prescription medicines.

The investigation could lead to trade actions if the U.S. determines that Germany’s pricing approach unfairly harms American pharmaceutical companies.