Exempt medical and dental supplies from tariffs, ADA urges

The ADA is pushing for the exemption of medical and dental supplies, equipment and devices from tariffs due to concerns about rising costs and supply chain disruptions.  

In an April 1 coalition letter spearheaded by the Health Industry Distributors Association, the ADA and nine other organizations emphasized the “lifesaving, life-sustaining” effect of these products on Americans.  

On April 2 President Donald Trump unveiled his plan to impose sweeping tariffs on a range of U.S. trading partners. This includes a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries. 

“Given the important role of our work in making America healthy, we are concerned that tariffs placed on medical and dental equipment threaten to disrupt the supply chain and raise costs for these critical items. This ultimately places further financial pressure on providers, hospitals and health systems, particularly those located in rural and medically underserved areas,” said the letter, which was addressed to Jameison Greer, ambassador at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. 

The group also expressed concern that increased costs on medical and dental supplies could impede their ability to improve treatment outcomes, foster innovation and meet the growing needs of patient populations.  

This could ultimately lead to longer wait times and greater financial strain on health care systems that are already under pressure, according to the group, which also includes AdvaMed, the American Association for Homecare, America’s Essential Hospitals, the Association of American Medical Colleges, Conquering CHD, the Preeclampsia Foundation, Prevent Cancer and Sepsis Alliance.  

“We look forward to working with the Trump administration and other agencies to advance policies that improve the health outcomes of Americans. We respectfully request that medical and dental supplies, equipment, and devices are made exempt from tariffs to prevent further escalation of health care costs and ensure patient accessibility to these products,” the coalition concluded in the letter.