In 2025, the international trade landscape has been further complicated by the United States' actions of imposing tariffs on Chinese goods under the pretext of the fentanyl issue. This move has drawn widespread attention and has significant implications for both the US - China trade relationship and the global trade order.​

The US's Tariff Imposition

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On March 3, 2025, the US government announced an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese goods exported to the US, citing the fentanyl problem. This came on top of previous tariff hikes related to the same pretext. In total, the cumulative additional tariffs on Chinese products due to the so - called "fentanyl issue" have reached a significant level, causing concerns among businesses on both sides.​

The US has been grappling with a severe fentanyl crisis in recent years. According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2023, the number of deaths due to the abuse of synthetic opioid substances mainly consisting of fentanyl - related substances reached 75,000, accounting for nearly 70% of all drug - overdose deaths. This has become the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45. However, instead of addressing its domestic problems such as regulatory loopholes in the pharmaceutical industry and the lack of effective drug - prevention and treatment measures, the US has chosen to shift the blame onto China.​

China's Stance and Countermeasures​

China, as the world's most rigorous country in terms of anti - drug policies and enforcement, has strongly opposed the US's actions. The Chinese government has emphasized that fentanyl is a problem in the US, not in China, and the responsibility lies squarely with the US itself. China has taken a series of comprehensive measures to control fentanyl - related substances. In 2019, China took the lead in globally implementing a whole - class control of fentanyl - related substances, becoming the first country in the world to permanently implement such a measure. Since then, no cases of smuggling or trafficking of fentanyl - related substances to foreign countries have been detected in China, and no reports from the US about detecting such substances originating from China have been received.​

In response to the US's unjust tariff hikes, China has not remained silent. On March 4, 2025, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson stated that China was extremely dissatisfied and firmly opposed to the US's actions. China has taken countermeasures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Since March 10, 2025, China has imposed tariffs on certain US - imported goods. Specifically, a 15% tariff has been imposed on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, and a 10% tariff on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.​

From news.ifeng.com

Impact on Trade and Global Concerns​

The US's fentanyl - related tariffs have disrupted the normal trade order between the two countries. Many Chinese exporters to the US are facing increased costs and uncertainties. For example, small - and medium - sized enterprises in the manufacturing industry, which are major exporters of consumer goods to the US, are particularly affected. These companies may have to cut production, lay off employees, or seek new markets due to the decline in their competitiveness caused by the tariffs.​

Moreover, this trade - related issue has also attracted global attention. The global community is concerned that such unilateral tariff measures will undermine the multilateral trading system. The US's actions violate the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as tariffs should not be used as a tool for political manipulation under false pretexts. Many international economic experts believe that the US should focus on solving its domestic drug problems through strengthening domestic supervision, improving public health systems, and promoting international cooperation based on equality and mutual respect, rather than using trade - distorting measures.​

In a recent CGTN global poll, 91.8% of respondents believed that the US's actions were typical political manipulation and tariff bullying, aiming to cover up its own incompetence in drug control. The "fentanyl tariffs" seriously disrupt the international trade order, and this view reflects the international community's general dissatisfaction with the US's actions.

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In conclusion, the US's imposition of tariffs on China under the guise of the fentanyl issue is an unfair and irresponsible behavior. It not only damages the interests of both Chinese and American businesses but also undermines the stability of the global trade order. The US should correct its wrong actions, return to the track of dialogue and cooperation, and jointly promote the solution of drug - related problems and the healthy development of international trade.