Source: Fortune
Summary
China announced new export permit requirements for two additional chemicals used in illegal drug production, expanding controls on shipments to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The move comes ahead of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. The number of controlled chemicals now stands at 18. The U.S. has previously criticized China for being a major source of precursor chemicals for fentanyl and methamphetamine. China has implemented similar restrictions in the past, including on 13 chemicals in 2025.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
China adds two more chemicals to its export control list.
U.S. and China prepare for high-level talks.
Controls now cover 18 chemicals.
China has been under pressure to curb fentanyl precursor flows.
Author: Evan Null
China’s Export Controls Expand
China has added two more chemicals to its list of controlled exports to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The move is part of broader efforts to regulate the flow of substances used in illegal drug production. The new rules were announced ahead of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. The additions bring the total number of controlled chemicals to 18.
U.S. Pressure on China
The U.S. has long accused China of being a major supplier of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl and methamphetamine. These drugs have led to a surge in overdose deaths in the U.S. The U.S. has urged China to take more aggressive action to reduce the flow of these chemicals. China has previously implemented export restrictions on 13 chemicals in 2025 and added three more in May 2026.
Trade Tensions and Fentanyl
China faced a fentanyl-related tariff imposed by the U.S., which it criticized as unfair. In response, Beijing issued a report detailing its efforts to control the illegal trade in fentanyl. The U.S. Supreme Court later struck down the tariff. Despite this, the U.S. continues to push for stronger measures from China to curb the production and export of drug precursors.
China’s Diplomatic Moves
The timing of the new export controls suggests a strategic move ahead of high-level diplomatic talks. The announcement comes after meetings between Xi and Trump in October 2025 and May 2026. China has consistently emphasized its cooperation with the U.S. on drug control, while also pushing back against what it sees as unfair trade practices.
Global Drug Production Concerns
The U.S. has repeatedly highlighted China’s role in the global production of precursor chemicals. These substances are essential for the illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs, which have caused a public health crisis in the U.S. China’s new regulations are seen as a step toward addressing these concerns, though the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen.
