U.S. and Germany Discuss Fairer Global Split of Pharmaceutical Costs in Washington Meeting

U.S. officials pressed the German ambassador over breakfast in Washington to pay more for pharmaceuticals as part of the Trump administration's effort to lower drug prices for American patients while other countries contribute more.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, chief health department adviser Chris Klomp, and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld. U.S. officials told the German ambassador to pay more for pharmaceuticals, according to a person familiar with the meeting.

U.S. pays less. Officials discussed the possible use of tariffs under Section 301, which grants the government authority to combat trade practices considered unfair.

The tactic would mirror earlier efforts that used the threat of new tariffs to secure higher payments from trading partners. Switzerland and Japan are also key targets in the drug spending push. German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld agreed to review the matter with officials in Germany.

No deal was made in the meeting with the German ambassador. The breakfast meeting took place in Washington. U.K. and reflects ongoing attempts to address disparities in global drug pricing.

A pharmacy in Germany illustrates the setting where officials there are working to limit health spending. @statnews reported these details in a story published on May 15, 2026. Daniel Payne, Washington Correspondent, wrote the article, which is labeled as a STAT Plus Exclusive.

The reporting draws on a person familiar with the meeting who described the exchanges. U.S. payers.