On June 18, 2026, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer initiated a new investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 targeting Germany. The inquiry examines whether Germany's persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products is unreasonable or discriminatory and whether it burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.
At the heart of the investigation are allegations that Germany's drug pricing and reimbursement policies, including a recently proposed plan to reduce pharmaceutical spending, suppress the prices paid for innovative medicines. USTR contends that these practices shift a disproportionate share of global pharmaceutical research and development costs onto U.S. patients and payers, undercutting American innovators.
The Federal Register notice formalizing the investigation was published on June 24, 2026. Key dates for stakeholders include: June 25, 2026, when USTR opens the docket for written comments; August 10, 2026, the deadline for written comments, requests to appear at the hearing, and summaries of testimony; and September 22, 2026, when USTR will hold a public hearing on the investigation.
This action marks the latest standalone Section 301 initiation, following USTR's June determinations and proposed tariffs in the Brazil and multi-country forced-labor investigations launched earlier this spring. Importers and pharmaceutical-sector stakeholders with German supply-chain exposure should monitor the docket closely and consider whether to participate in the comment process or the September hearing.