Marketplace All-in-One A new tariff on imported medication
Apr 3, 2026
A deep dive into a new executive order that could slap steep tariffs on imported medications and reshuffle steel, copper, and aluminum levies. A crisp look at March's jobs report and why monthly employment numbers can be misleading. Plus a fun segment on converting vintage cars into electric vehicles and the costs and craftsmanship involved.
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New Tariff Threat Targets Imported Patented Drugs
- The Trump administration issued an executive order threatening tariffs up to 100% on imported patented drugs while carving out many exceptions.
- Drugmakers that strike pricing deals with the administration or build U.S. manufacturing can avoid levies or pay 20%, and some trade partners get lower rates.
Metal Tariff Changes Shift How Duties Are Calculated
- The administration also overhauled metal tariffs to simplify collection and curb cheating by assessing duties on full product value.
- Metal levies will be based on U.S. domestic value and 50% tariffs drop to 25% for many goods, with small-content exemptions removed.
March Jobs Gain Looks Solid But Data Are Noisy
- March payrolls rose by 178,000 and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent, but monthly volatility clouds the picture.
- Budget cuts at statistical agencies and sector disruptions add noise and produce wild month-to-month swings.