China announced a new control on the export of chemical products that can be used to manufacture synthetic drugs, especially fentanyl. The US government imposed additional tariffs of up to 20% on Chinese imports as retaliation for that alleged role in the drug supply chain. Following a recent meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, both countries reached agreements on anti-drug and commercial cooperation. The measure took effect immediately and is part of the Chinese government's efforts to prevent these substances from being diverted to illegal uses. China's Ministry of Commerce reported that the catalog of chemical precursors subject to control will be updated, and it included the three North American countries among the destinations that require prior authorization. In this context, Trump announced that he will reduce the extra tariffs on Chinese products from 20% to 10%, while Beijing adopted new control measures on sensitive chemicals. The announcement was made jointly by the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Public Security, Emergency Management Administration, General Administration of Customs, and National Medical Products Administration. The Chinese government explained that the change aims to 'improve the management of the export of chemical products susceptible to diversion', referring to the use of these substances by criminal networks dedicated to drug trafficking. With the new decision, China expands this control scheme to North America, although with a specific list of compounds. The authorities stressed that the objective is to strengthen supervision and comply with international commitments regarding the control of synthetic drugs. The issue comes in a context of tensions between China and the United States over the opioid crisis. By including the United States, Mexico, and Canada in the list of destinations with mandatory licenses, China seeks to show greater international coordination in the fight against fentanyl trafficking and, at the same time, improve its image before Washington. As of this Monday, companies wishing to send these materials to the United States, Mexico, and Canada must process special licenses before exporting them. Washington has accused Beijing for years of not doing enough to stop the flow of precursors arriving in America, where fentanyl causes tens of thousands of deaths annually. These are compounds related to piperidine derivatives, a base used in the production of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and also methamphetamine. In Congress, they stated that the new tariffs on Asian products are on 'hold'. So far, the special licensing system applied to high-risk Southeast Asian countries, such as Burma, Laos, and Afghanistan. In total, the adjustment incorporates 13 chemical substances that will now be under surveillance for these markets.
