In a press release published on June 18, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the initiation of a Section 301 investigation of Germany’s pharmaceutical pricing practices to determine “whether persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products by Germany is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.

According to USTR, the investigation follows months of discussions with Germany. USTR stated that is looking to reach a similar agreement with Germany to the one that United States and United Kingdom reached on April 2, 2026, on pharmaceutical pricing to expand “access to the most innovative drugs for the German people while ensuring fair reimbursement for the pharmaceuticals made by American workers.”

USTR is accepting public comments on this investigation and must be submitted by August 10, 2026. A hearing will be held on the investigation on September 22, 2026.

USTR’s press release and a link to the Federal Register Notice can be found here:
https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/june/ustr-announces-initiation-section-301-investigation-germanys-persistent-underpayment-innovative

Comments can be submitted on this investigation here:
https://comments.ustr.gov/s/