In brief
Amid rising tensions, experts worry tariffs could hinder progress in combating a crisis that claims American lives daily.
In an escalating political climate, President-elect Donald J. Trump is threatening to impose new tariffs on China, focusing on the deadly opioid fentanyl. This potent drug, primarily synthesized using chemical precursors made in China, poses significant health risks, contributing to the opioid crisis that kills thousands of Americans each year.Initially, during Trump’s first term, cooperation between the U.S. and China yielded some positive outcomes, such as a September agreement where China added more chemicals to their controlled list. This collaboration emerged from a meeting between President Biden and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, which marked a rare diplomatic moment amidst ongoing geopolitical strife.Despite these efforts, experts caution that further measures are essential. The reality is that Chinese manufacturers can develop new substances to evade regulations, complicating law enforcement efforts. Analysts from the Council on Foreign Relations emphasize the need for increased collaboration to combat money laundering linked to drug trafficking.However, the introduction of tariffs might reverse the recent progress. Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Brookings Institution analyst, argues that these tariffs might not curb fentanyl trafficking and could undermine the necessary U.S.-China cooperation instituted in 2024, increasing barriers when collaboration is critical for combating the crisis.
