US launches probe into German pharmaceutical pricing practices

The United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, has initiated an investigation into Germany’s pharmaceutical pricing practices, according to a statement released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

The investigation concerns allegations that Germany’s pricing policies unfairly shift a disproportionate share of the global costs of research and development (R&D) for innovative medicines onto the United States.

“President Trump has made clear that American patients should not be shouldering a disproportionate share of global pharmaceutical research and development,” Greer said.

The probe aims to determine whether Germany’s alleged “persistent underpayment” for innovative pharmaceutical products constitutes an unreasonable and discriminatory practice that restricts US trade.

According to the USTR statement, the investigation follows months of “meaningful discussions with our German partners” aimed at resolving the issue. The agency has also formally requested consultations with Germany as part of the investigative process.