US Tariffs and Taiwan's Vaccine Supply: MOHW Prepares for Potential Impact
26 April 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://technews.tw/2025/04/23/reciprocal-tariffs-might-impact-fund-vaccine/
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has prepared contingency plans to ensure a stable vaccine supply in Taiwan. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Lin Shufen expressed concerns that some free vaccines utilized in Taiwan are imported from the United States, potentially facing disruption due to proposed tariffs on pharmaceutical products. Lin clarified that this is a procurement challenge stemming from increased global competition for vaccines, rather than a budgetary one.
Lin also voiced apprehensions regarding the ongoing measles outbreak in Vietnam and its potential to impact Taiwan's vaccination supply, particularly during peak tourist season. Minister of Health and Welfare, Chiu Taichuan, assured that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has established comprehensive contingency plans and a vaccine industry committee to guarantee a secure domestic supply.
CDC spokesperson Luo Yijun elaborated that currently, three of Taiwan’s 14 free vaccines are imported from the U.S., representing approximately 21% of total imports. These include vaccines for chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and pneumococcal polysaccharide.
Regarding potential tariff measures, Luo stated that existing contracts currently mitigate any immediate impact on the supply or pricing of domestic free vaccines. These contracts include multi-year agreements and staggered deliveries to maintain price stability, and also involve securing at least two suppliers for certain vaccines. The CDC will continue to monitor developments related to tariffs.
In response to Lin's inquiry about collaborations with international pharmaceutical companies for vaccine contract manufacturing (CDMO), given rising American protectionism and potential shifts in collaboration models, Minister Chiu confirmed ongoing discussions and evaluations of these matters.
Lin also voiced apprehensions regarding the ongoing measles outbreak in Vietnam and its potential to impact Taiwan's vaccination supply, particularly during peak tourist season. Minister of Health and Welfare, Chiu Taichuan, assured that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has established comprehensive contingency plans and a vaccine industry committee to guarantee a secure domestic supply.
CDC spokesperson Luo Yijun elaborated that currently, three of Taiwan’s 14 free vaccines are imported from the U.S., representing approximately 21% of total imports. These include vaccines for chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and pneumococcal polysaccharide.
Regarding potential tariff measures, Luo stated that existing contracts currently mitigate any immediate impact on the supply or pricing of domestic free vaccines. These contracts include multi-year agreements and staggered deliveries to maintain price stability, and also involve securing at least two suppliers for certain vaccines. The CDC will continue to monitor developments related to tariffs.
In response to Lin's inquiry about collaborations with international pharmaceutical companies for vaccine contract manufacturing (CDMO), given rising American protectionism and potential shifts in collaboration models, Minister Chiu confirmed ongoing discussions and evaluations of these matters.