CSL assesses China’s tariff exemptions for U.S.-produced albumin

AUSTRALIA – Australian biotechnology firm CSL Ltd is assessing whether its U.S.-manufactured surgical drugs, particularly human albumin, qualify for exemptions from China’s newly imposed 125% tariffs on American-made goods.

This evaluation comes as the company seeks to mitigate the impact of escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. ​

China has discreetly granted tariff exemptions on select products, including certain pharmaceuticals, through a confidential list.

This approach allows Beijing to maintain its public stance on the trade dispute while privately offering concessions to alleviate economic fallout. ​

“We are aware of reports that certain goods imported from the U.S. into China are potentially being exempted from tariffs,” a CSL spokesperson stated.

“We are working to determine the potential for our critical medicines to be covered by these exemptions.” ​

Human albumin, a plasma-derived product, is essential in medical treatments such as cardiac surgery, cirrhosis, and sepsis.

While CSL primarily produces albumin for the Chinese market outside the U.S., the company has recently submitted a regulatory application in China to approve production at its Australian facility.

This move aims to diversify CSL’s global supply chain and ensure long-term stability in the supply of this critical medicine. ​

Other pharmaceutical companies, including Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical and Spain’s Grifols, also manufacture albumin in the U.S. for the Chinese market.

However, they have not commented on whether their products have received tariff exemptions. ​

China and the United States represent the two largest markets globally for albumin. The ongoing trade dispute poses challenges for companies operating within this critical healthcare sector.