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China expands export control list for drug precursor chemicals ahead of Trump-Xi summit
The rules take effect immediately and add new permit requirements for shipments to the United States, Mexico and Canada.
On Tuesday, China added two chemicals to its export control list for drug precursors, requiring permits for shipments to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Beijing's commerce ministry announced these rules take effect immediately.
China serves as the primary origin for precursor chemicals used in manufacturing fentanyl, a deadly opioid fueling an epidemic in the United States. The Trump administration has repeatedly urged Beijing to stem these chemical flows.
Following a visit by Trump to Beijing in May, China imposed controls on other drug precursors. Trump imposed tariffs last year in response to the epidemic, though the Supreme Court struck those levies down in February.
The regulatory change arrives days before a high-stakes summit in Washington between Chinese President Jinping and President Donald Trump. This move aims to address bilateral tensions ahead of their meeting.
During this week's visit, Jinping and Trump are expected to discuss a broad agenda spanning trade, artificial intelligence, and the United States' ongoing war with Iran. The summit positions fentanyl controls within wider geopolitical negotiations.
Today, Tuesday, China's regulators announced an expansion of the export control list of precursor chemicals to the United States, Mexico and Canada, bringing the number of substances whose export requires permits to 18.