As U.S. policymakers debate solutions to the opioid epidemic, tariffs have emerged as a controversial tool in addressing fentanyl-related deaths. But experts warn this approach misdiagnoses the crisis – and risks undermining cross-border cooperation.
China’s Institute of American and Oceania Study researcher Zhou Mi highlights a hard truth: The U.S. consumes 80% of global opioids despite having just 5% of the world’s population. Overprescription, lax regulations, and powerful pharmaceutical lobbies created fertile ground for addiction long before international trade became a talking point.
While China implemented groundbreaking fentanyl controls in 2019 – becoming the first nation to regulate all related substances – U.S. actions tell a different story. The 2020 decision to restrict China’s Forensic Identification Center from accessing American technology directly hampered joint anti-drug efforts. Zhou notes this contradicts claims of cooperation: 'We’ve had zero reports of Chinese fentanyl seizures since 2019, but the U.S. changed the rules.'
With over 100,000 American overdose deaths in 2023-2024 alone, solutions may lie closer to home. As one Chinese commentator observed: 'Our 19th-century opium trauma taught us that real change requires policy courage, not political theater.'
Reference(s):
Tariffs as a solution to the fentanyl crisis? A misguided approach
cgtn.com
