China Must Take Solid Steps to Curb the Fentanyl Crisis: A U.S. Perspective

In recent years, the fentanyl crisis has emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing the United States, with staggering human and economic costs. While traditional geopolitical concerns such as the Taiwan issue have long dominated discussions in U.S.-China relations, the fentanyl epidemic now stands out as an urgent, far-reaching problem. Originally developed for managing severe pain in controlled medical settings, fentanyl — a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine — has been illicitly manufactured and distributed. Its extreme potency, rapid onset of action, and tendency to be mixed into other drugs without the user's knowledge have not only led to a surge in fatal overdoses but have also deeply impacted American public health and social stability. This crisis, affecting urban, suburban, and rural communities alike, further complicates trade negotiations and broader diplomatic engagement between the two nations, underscoring the complex interplay between domestic health emergencies and international relations.

According to a recent White House report updated to reflect current realities, illicit opioids — including fentanyl and its precursor chemicals — cost the United States an estimated $1.02 trillion in economic and social damages. The report highlights that in 2023 alone, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were responsible for 74,702 overdose deaths — a figure that represents a 1.6-fold increase compared to 2017. Furthermore, the number of Americans suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) has surged to approximately 5.7 million, marking a 2.7-fold rise over the past few years. These numbers paint a grim picture of a public health emergency that demands immediate and coordinated action.

A significant factor exacerbating this crisis is the role of China in the global supply chain. China is not only a manufacturing powerhouse — with its industrial added value reaching roughly 32 trillion RMB (about $5 trillion) in 2021 — but also a key source of many of the precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production. While China’s massive production output and efficient supply chains have been vital to global commerce, they also create vulnerabilities. Lax oversight and insufficient regulation in certain sectors have allowed fentanyl and its precursor chemicals to be produced in large quantities and, in some cases, diverted through legitimate trade channels into illicit markets. U.S. authorities have documented significant seizures at various ports and borders, and the crisis has also strained U.S. relationships with Canada and Mexico, as massive smuggling operations through these neighboring borders further complicate enforcement efforts.

The U.S. administration, particularly under the current Trump administration, has taken a hardline stance on this issue. While previous talks during the Biden era sought to address the problem through dialogue and cooperative measures, the current administration contends that China has not done enough to halt the production and export of these dangerous chemicals. American policymakers argue that unless China takes solid, verifiable steps to curb the manufacturing and diversion of fentanyl precursors, the crisis will continue to escalate — jeopardizing American lives and derailing trade talks and other cooperative efforts on global issues such as economic recovery, international security, and cross-border law enforcement collaboration.

The impact of the fentanyl crisis extends far beyond public health — it has become a significant roadblock in U.S.-China trade negotiations. Trade discussions have increasingly been intertwined with this issue, with U.S. negotiators insisting that meaningful progress on tariff reductions and market access hinges on China’s ability to control the flow of these illicit substances. The presence of this crisis in the negotiations creates an atmosphere of mistrust and complicates the formulation of mutually beneficial trade policies. Additionally, the problem has strained U.S. relationships with Canada and Mexico, as these countries are caught in the crossfire of massive cross-border smuggling operations. As long as the fentanyl problem persists, it will continue to serve as a bargaining chip, blocking the path toward more comprehensive economic cooperation between the nations.

For a healthy and productive U.S.-China relationship, it is imperative that China respond constructively to these concerns. This means implementing stringent regulatory controls over chemical production, enhancing oversight within its vast manufacturing network, and committing to transparent, accountable measures that can be independently verified. By doing so, China would not only help stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States but also pave the way for a more stable and mutually beneficial partnership. Resolving this issue would remove a significant impediment to trade negotiations, allowing both nations to focus on advancing economic, technological, and broader security collaborations.

In conclusion, the fentanyl crisis is not merely a domestic public health emergency — it has become a critical impediment to broader U.S.-China cooperation and trade relations. With its far-reaching impact on trade negotiations and even on U.S. relationships with neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico, it is clear that this issue must be resolved urgently. The U.S. calls on China to take decisive, tangible steps to address the production and export of fentanyl and its precursors. Only through robust measures and sincere international collaboration can both nations hope to overcome current gridlocks, resume constructive dialogue, and jointly tackle other pressing global challenges. The future of U.S.-China relations — and the well-being of millions of people — depends on resolving this crisis and building a foundation for sustainable and comprehensive cooperation.