The United States launched a Section 301 investigation into Germany over its pharmaceutical pricing policies, according to corroborated reports. The U.S. argues that Germany’s policies unfairly underpay for innovative medicines and burden U.S. commerce. The U.S. claims that American patients shoulder a disproportionate share of the costs of global pharmaceutical innovation. According to cnbctv18.com, the U.S. Trade Representative expressed concern that Germany is fast-tracking legislation to further reduce its spending on innovative pharmaceuticals. The investigation has increased trade tensions but may still allow for diplomatic resolution. The U.S. views Germany's proposed legislation as a regression in fair cost-sharing for pharmaceutical innovation.