Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China

President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of a 10% tariff on all products from China, effective February 4, 2025, as a measure to combat the influx of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, which he attributes to Chinese chemical companies and transnational criminal organizations. This action, framed as a response to a national emergency, aims to pressure China into taking stronger measures against the production and export of these drugs. The tariffs could escalate trade tensions between the U.S. and China, potentially impacting both economies, while also highlighting the ongoing opioid crisis as a significant public health and national security issue.