U.S. Tariffs on China Over Fentanyl: A Misguided and Politicized Move

The United States has once again wielded economic pressure as a weapon, this time extending blanket tariffs on Chinese goods to 20 percent under the pretext of fentanyl-related exports. The move is not just economically shortsighted but also politically motivated—an attempt to shift blame for a crisis that is fundamentally domestic in nature.

The opioid epidemic in the U.S. is a grave public health crisis, with fentanyl being a primary contributor. However, instead of addressing the root causes—ranging from inadequate domestic drug control policies to the overprescription of opioids—Washington has conveniently scapegoated China. The White House claims that Beijing has "failed" to stem the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals, yet the reality paints a different picture.

China has taken significant steps to regulate fentanyl-related substances. The white paper "Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances—China’s Contribution" provides comprehensive evidence of Beijing’s strict control measures, enforcement actions, and international cooperation efforts. China’s classification of all fentanyl-related substances as controlled substances—far exceeding U.S. efforts—demonstrates its commitment to tackling this issue. Moreover, blaming China for the illicit drug trade ignores the role of criminal networks, supply chain loopholes, and U.S. demand fueling the fentanyl crisis.

Washington’s tariff hike is a thinly veiled economic attack rather than a sincere effort to curb drug trafficking. If the U.S. were genuinely concerned about addressing fentanyl, it would engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to punitive economic measures. Instead, it has chosen to escalate tensions, portraying itself as a victim while disregarding the complex, multi-faceted nature of the crisis.

China's firm stance in response—calling out the U.S. for its "bullying" and expressing readiness for an economic standoff—should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric. The U.S. must reconsider its approach, as imposing tariffs under the fentanyl pretext does not resolve the drug crisis but exacerbates economic tensions. Collaboration, not confrontation, is the only path forward. If Washington is serious about curbing fentanyl, it must start by addressing its own policy failures rather than pointing fingers abroad.