Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an order to impose tariffs on low-value imports from China, including Hong Kong, as part of efforts to combat the synthetic opioid crisis. This order removes the duty-free status for certain Chinese goods valued at $800 or less, aiming to curb the influx of illicit substances into the United States. The action could strain U.S.-China trade relations and may affect American consumers and businesses by increasing costs on imported goods, while also raising legal questions regarding international trade agreements and enforcement.