Former President Trump has escalated tariffs on Chinese goods, citing the persistent fentanyl crisis impacting the United States. An executive order signed Monday raises tariffs to 20%, accusing the Chinese government of failing to curb the flow of synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the country. This action intensifies existing trade tensions and comes just as tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods are also set to increase.

The executive order asserts that China's inaction poses a significant threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy. Trump's order specifically modifies a previous executive order, increasing the tariff percentage from 10% to 20%, effective Tuesday. This decision follows the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods announced last month, also taking effect Tuesday. White House Senior Counselor Peter Navarro defended the tariffs, pointing to China as the origin of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, with Mexico acting as a production hub and Canada serving as a transit point.

China has consistently opposed these tariffs, asserting its strong stance on counternarcotics efforts. A statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February emphasized their strict policies and implementation against drug trafficking. They argue that further tariffs are counterproductive and could negatively impact collaborative efforts between the two nations in combating the drug crisis. China has urged the U.S. to reconsider its approach and maintain cooperative relations.