KUALA LUMPUR – US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China to curb the fentanyl crisis.
According to a statement by the White House, the order enforces a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports until those nations “cooperate fully” with the US on drug trafficking. The tariffs take effect February 4.
“President Donald Trump is taking decisive action to protect Americans from the fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45,” the White House said.
The US accused Mexican cartels of being the “world’s leading traffickers” of fentanyl and alleged links with the Mexican government. On Canada, it highlighted rising fentanyl production and illegal crossings. The US also imposed a 10% tariff on Canadian energy.
“Enough fentanyl was seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, China was criticised for allegedly subsidising fentanyl-exporting chemical firms.
“China not only fails to stem the source of illicit drugs but actively helps this business,” the White House said.
The US warned against retaliation, saying that: “If the target countries retaliate, the president may increase or expand the scope of the tariffs to ensure the efficacy of this action.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed a “strong, unified response” to US tariffs, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico has countermeasures ready.
The White House also confirmed that duty-free de minimis treatment, which exempts shipments under US$800 from duties, will not apply to these tariffs.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid primarily used for pain management in medical settings but has become a major driver of the global drug crisis. It is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, making even small doses potentially lethal.
While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain, illicitly manufactured fentanyl, often mixed with other drugs, has fueled a surge in overdose deaths, particularly in the US.
Its high potency and low production cost have made it a preferred substance for drug traffickers, leading to widespread concerns over its role in the opioid epidemic. – February 2, 2025