Trump’s tariff threats include China again — but this time it’s about drugs

President-elect Donald Trump has made it clear that tariffs and border security are his top priorities. On Monday, he announced hefty tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as targeting China for not doing enough to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the U.S.

Trump specifically outlined an additional 10 per cent tariff on imports from China, accusing Beijing of failing to take strong action against drug trafficking. He claimed that China had promised to impose the death penalty for drug traffickers but never followed through.

A report by the U.S. House of Representatives’ select committee on China identified China as the primary source of the fentanyl crisis, alleging that Beijing provides tax rebates to Chinese companies exporting fentanyl chemicals.

The Chinese embassy in Washington responded to Trump’s vow by denouncing sanctions and smears against China. They emphasized that cooperation between China and the U.S. on economic and trade issues is mutually beneficial.

In the past, Trump has promised to end China’s most-favoured-nation trading status and impose tariffs exceeding 60 per cent on Chinese imports. His pick for the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick, suggested tariffs as high as 200 per cent on China.

While China has tightened control over fentanyl-related substances since 2019, the manufacturing of synthetic opioids shifted to Mexican cartels. This shift has made Mexico the focal point of the crisis, even though Chinese chemicals remain at the core.

The Biden administration has initiated quarterly online meetings between U.S. and Chinese scientists to address emerging drug threats. China has also regulated major fentanyl-making chemicals in compliance with UN obligations.

Public health experts credit the Biden administration for a nearly 19 per cent drop in synthetic opioid deaths, attributing it to increased access to overdose-reversal medication. The administration advocates for expanding treatment options domestically while engaging China diplomatically to address the drug crisis.

In conclusion, Trump’s focus on tariffs and border security, particularly with China, underscores his commitment to putting America first. However, effective collaboration and diplomatic efforts are essential to combat the complex issue of illicit drug trafficking and overdose deaths.