Roberta Metsola urges Germany to resolve U.S. drug pricing dispute

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has urged Germany to reach a deal with the Trump administration to resolve an ongoing trade dispute regarding drug pricing. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Metsola advised direct negotiations to avoid difficult consequences, stating, “If you don’t talk directly and reach a deal — the art of the deal — then the consequences might be more difficult to swallow.”

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is currently investigating Germany’s pharmaceutical pricing policies, alleging “persistent underpayment” for products. Recent hearings in Washington saw a majority of witnesses support these claims. If the investigation concludes in favor of the U.S., it could provide the legal basis for the Trump administration to impose new tariffs on German exports.

Metsola emphasized that while Europe can remain a leader in pharmaceuticals, the bloc must become more agile regarding clinical trials and market entry. She also cautioned the U.S. government that any tariff increases on German goods might violate a 15% tariff ceiling previously established in an agreement between President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.