On Wednesday, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called on the Trump administration to increase tariffs on Chinese generic drug manufacturers, citing alleged forced labor practices and concerns about pharmaceutical safety.

Scott Calls For Tariffs On Chinese Drug Makers

Scott criticized China’s pharmaceutical industry in a post on X, arguing that stronger trade measures are needed to address alleged human rights violations and protect American patients.

"We know COMMUNIST CHINA uses Uyghur SLAVE LABOR," Scott wrote.

He added, "We know they make more dangerous generic drugs than the ones we produce here. It’s unacceptable."

He further said the U.S. must act "to stop the human rights abuses and keep American patients SAFE."

Scott added that he is encouraging the Trump administration to raise tariffs on Chinese generic drug makers that he alleges are connected to these practices.

He called for accountability, writing, "These criminal thugs need to be held accountable."

US-China Pharma Trade Tensions

Last month, bipartisan U.S. lawmakers launched national security reviews into Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK) and AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) over concerns that clinical trials in China could expose sensitive U.S. biotechnology research to security and ethical risks.

Lawmakers, led by Rep. John Moolenaar, requested details on the companies’ data security, due diligence and research practices, while noting there was no evidence of wrongdoing by either company.

In 2025, China reportedly eased some trade restrictions by exempting select U.S. imports, including certain pharmaceutical products and aerospace components, from its 125% tariffs.

Chinese officials also sought feedback from businesses on other essential U.S. goods that could qualify for exemptions, with the American Chamber of Commerce in China saying several pharmaceutical companies had already benefited from the tariff relief.