Two senators have introduced a proposal to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursors into the United States from China, Mexico, and other borders, a topic that President Donald Trump has linked to his new tariffs.
By imposing taxes on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, Trump argues that these countries have failed to stop the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. For their part, the mentioned governments claim to have cooperated on this issue.
The proposed law does not link tariffs to fentanyl trafficking but seeks to expand the authority to sanction Chinese entities related to the financing of opioid trafficking abroad. It would also establish measures to track chemical products used in the production of fentanyl.
The initiative was introduced by Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho, and Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire. Risch pointed out that China is the largest source of fentanyl and precursors for Mexican cartels, accusing the Chinese government of supporting these illegal activities.
In a statement, Risch expressed: “The United States, and no one else, is responsible for the fentanyl crisis within the United States. This must end, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.”
Shaheen stated that the United States should use all available tools to stop the flow of fentanyl. She accused China of not doing enough to curb the export of these chemical products to Mexican criminal groups.
The Chinese embassy in Washington responded by accusing the U.S. of spreading lies about the fentanyl issue and reiterated its willingness to cooperate but firmly opposed being pressured on the fentanyl topic.
The Chinese government has taken steps to combat fentanyl trafficking, including stricter controls on drug precursors. However, the U.S. insists on the need for more forceful actions to address this issue, which causes thousands of deaths a year on its territory.
