Wed Feb 26 09:50:59 UTC 2025: ## US Fentanyl Tariffs on China Condemned as Illegal and Counterproductive
**Beijing, China** – China has strongly condemned the United States’ imposition of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, ostensibly to combat the fentanyl crisis. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson denounced the move as a violation of WTO principles and a counterproductive approach to addressing the complex issue of opioid addiction.
The US government announced the tariffs on February 1st, citing concerns over fentanyl trafficking from China. However, China argues that the tariffs are discriminatory and undermine existing bilateral cooperation on counternarcotics. China highlights its strong domestic anti-drug laws and its cooperation with the US, including the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances in 2019 and intelligence sharing.
Critics argue that the tariffs, rather than addressing the root causes of the US fentanyl crisis – including domestic demand and pharmaceutical industry practices – will likely drive fentanyl production underground and hinder international cooperation. The unilateral nature of the tariffs is seen as a violation of WTO principles of non-discrimination and national treatment, potentially jeopardizing the global trading system.
While the US may attempt to justify the tariffs under WTO exceptions for public health or national security, experts believe it’s unlikely to meet the required criteria of necessity and the absence of less trade-restrictive alternatives.
China contends that the tariffs will ultimately harm US consumers through higher prices and reduce the competitiveness of US businesses. Instead of resorting to protectionist measures, China urges the US to focus on addressing its domestic issues and fostering equal-footed collaboration on counternarcotics efforts. Maintaining strong trade ties between the two nations, China argues, is in the best interests of both countries and global economic growth.
First Piper 