Global Quarterly Economic Forecast: Still in the Game

*US STARTS SECTION 301 PROBE OF GERMANY OVER PHARMACEUTICALS USTR Announces Initiation of Section 301 Investigation of Germany’s Persistent Underpayment for Innovative Pharmaceutical Products Today, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer initiated an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against Germany. This investigation will seek to determine whether persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products by Germany is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. This investigation follows months of meaningful discussions with our German partners in an effort to resolve this issue. “President Trump has made clear that American patients should not be shouldering a disproportionate share of global pharmaceutical research and development,” said Ambassador Greer. “I am particularly concerned with news that Germany is fast-tracking legislation that would further reduce its spending on innovative pharmaceuticals. This is a serious step backwards at a time when our trading partners need to step up and start paying their fair share to fund innovative pharmaceutical research and development. We believe that the United States and Germany can find a path forward that expands access to the most innovative drugs for the German people while ensuring fair reimbursement for the pharmaceuticals made by American workers." “On April 2, 2026, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a ground-breaking arrangement on pharmaceutical pricing that will help drive investment and innovation in both countries. Germany should follow suit with constructive negotiations to address this imbalance.” “Fighting the war against disease is a shared burden across wealthy nations,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “The United States is calling on Germany to pay its fair share for the innovative treatments its people use. I commend Ambassador Greer for his leadership in confronting this imbalance. Fair reimbursement strengthens medical innovation and helps ensure the development of the next generation of lifesaving cures.”