Canada on Saturday blocked bulk exports of prescription drugs if they would create a shortage at home, in response to outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to allow imports from Canada to lower some drug prices for Americans. The Canadian measure went into effect on Friday, just days before a U.S. "Importation Prescription Drugs" rule that would eventually allow licensed U.S. pharmacists or wholesalers to import in bulk certain prescription drugs intended for the Canadian market. Trump touted the plan in his first debate with president-elect Joe Biden, who has also said during his campaign that he would set up a similar import plan to try to reduce prescription drug costs for Americans. "Canada is a small market, representing 2 per cent of global drug sales, that sources 68 per cent of its drugs internationally. Many of Canada's drug suppliers opposed Trump's plan, saying it could lead to shortages.

Source: CBC News November 29, 2020 15:11 UTC