Opinion | The Hidden Cost of Trump’s Trade War on China

President Trump recently imposed new tariffs on China, emphasizing the need for Beijing to crack down on the chemical companies responsible for the production and trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. While China has indeed played a significant role in the opioid crisis that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, simply resorting to trade wars and tariffs may not be the most effective solution. In fact, such tactics could potentially hinder cooperation from China rather than fostering it. It is crucial to approach this issue with caution, as the consequences of missteps could be devastating for American communities.

Since 2016, the United States has witnessed a surge in overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The Biden administration has been actively working to address this crisis, implementing sanctions on individuals and companies involved in the illicit opioid trade. Furthermore, diplomatic efforts have been made to rally global support in combating the synthetic drug trade, resulting in commitments from various countries to align with the United States’ agenda.

Through a combination of accountability measures, law enforcement actions, and diplomatic initiatives, progress has been made in disrupting international fentanyl supply chains and reducing overdose deaths in the U.S. However, the fight against the opioid epidemic is far from over, and continued collaboration with China is essential to furthering these efforts.

President Trump now has an opportunity to build on the work already done by the Biden administration in combating illicit fentanyl production. By engaging in diplomatic efforts and pushing China to enforce restrictions on its chemical industry more rigorously, Mr. Trump can play a crucial role in saving American lives. However, it is important to recognize that tariffs alone are not sufficient in addressing this complex issue, and a strategic and diplomatic approach is necessary to maintain progress.

To make further strides in the fight against the opioid epidemic, Mr. Trump must prioritize diplomatic engagement and cooperation with China. Regardless of political affiliations, all Americans should support efforts to combat the illicit fentanyl trade and save lives.

Brandon P. Yoder was a deputy assistant secretary for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs in the Biden administration and a Democratic staff member for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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