Fri Feb 28 07:21:35 UTC 2025: ## China Condemns US Fentanyl Tariffs, Threatens Retaliation

**Beijing, China** – China has sharply criticized the United States’ decision to impose new tariffs on Chinese goods in response to the fentanyl crisis, accusing Washington of “shifting the blame and shirking responsibility.” The Ministry of Commerce issued a statement Friday condemning President Trump’s announcement of an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, effective next month. This follows a 10% tariff imposed earlier this month.

The US claims that China is the primary source of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for over 74,000 overdose deaths in the US in 2023, according to the CDC. President Trump cited “very high and unacceptable levels” of fentanyl entering the US as justification for the tariffs.

China’s Ministry of Commerce countered that its drug laws are among the strictest globally and that the US is unfairly blaming China. The statement urged the US to engage in equal dialogue to resolve the issue, warning of unspecified “necessary countermeasures” if the tariffs are implemented. The Ministry reiterated its stance that unilateral tariffs violate World Trade Organization rules.

While Beijing acknowledges cooperation with the US on drug control, including adding fentanyl-related substances to its controlled drugs list, it rejects sole responsibility for the crisis. The escalating trade dispute adds further strain to already tense US-China relations.

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