Tariff cuts on imported drugs show pricing system needs reforming

CHINA EXEMPTED TARIFFS on 28 categories of imported medicines, including some common anti-cancer drugs, on May 1. But the retail prices of these medicines have remained unchanged till now. Beijing News comments:

It is disappointing that the zero-tariff policy that has been implemented for nearly one and a half months has not yet brought any tangible benefits to patients.

After China cut tariffs on imported cars last month, the retail prices of some imported vehicles came down almost simultaneously. So people have enough reasons to ask why the retail prices of imported medicines have not yet changed.