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Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | February 11, 2025
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has joined the call to grant exceptions to proposed tariffs on medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, warning that such measures could disrupt patient care and exacerbate existing shortages.
In a letter sent to President Trump on February 4, the AHA emphasized the importance of maintaining access to essential medications and medical devices, particularly those manufactured in China, Mexico, and Canada.
The organization acknowledged ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing but cautioned that the U.S. healthcare system remains heavily dependent on international sources for critical supplies.
"Despite ongoing efforts to build the domestic supply chain, the U.S. healthcare system relies significantly on international sources for many drugs and devices needed to both care for patients and protect our healthcare workers," the letter stated. "Tariffs, as well as any reaction of the countries on whom such tariffs are imposed, could reduce the availability of these lifesaving medications and supplies in the U.S."
Medical devices were cited as a critical area of concern. The AHA noted that many commonly used hospital supplies, such as syringes, pulse oximeters, and surgical instruments, are imported from China. Single-use devices, including sterile drapes and disposable blood pressure cuffs, could also be affected, potentially disrupting surgeries and routine patient care.
The letter from the AHA follows a similar statement from AdvaMed, the medtech industry trade group, warning that the added costs from tariffs could disrupt the medical technology supply chain and hinder innovation.
Scott Whitaker, AdvaMed’s president and CEO, said the organization has
voiced its concerns to the Trump administration, citing risks to patient care and the industry’s ability to adapt quickly to supply chain disruptions. He compared the impact of tariffs to that of an excise tax, suggesting they could lead to reduced research and development investment, higher costs for patients and payors, and potential job losses.
“During the president’s first term, with respect to the tariffs on China, a carve-out was provided for much of the medtech sector, given the risks to the U.S. hospital supply chain,” Whitaker said. “We maintain that the potential supply chain disruption and its downstream effects on patients remain a risk, should tariffs be implemented. Shortages of critical medical technologies are a real concern in our initial modeling.”
The AHA further emphasized the impact on personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, noting that China supplied the majority of N95 respirators used in healthcare settings in 2023, along with significant portions of face masks, gloves, and gowns. A disruption in the supply of these materials could jeopardize both worker safety and patient care.
The AHA urged the administration to consider exemptions for medical supplies already facing shortages and reiterated its willingness to work with officials on ensuring continued access to critical healthcare products.
