Facing a devastating crisis, the trump governance is taking decisive action to combat the flow of illicit drugs. This article details new tariff measures targeting the import of synthetic opioids, specifically fentanyl, from China. Learn how these notable changes to import regulations aim to curb the fentanyl crisis and protect American lives.
Trump Management Targets Fentanyl Crisis with New Tariff Measures
April 3, 2025
Executive Action Aims to Curb Opioid Flow from China
Washington, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has initiated a new strategy to combat the opioid crisis,specifically targeting the flow of synthetic opioids from China into the United States. The move involves eliminating duty-free de minimis
treatment for low-value imports from China, a measure designed to close loopholes exploited by those shipping illicit substances.The executive order was signed today.
key Changes to Tariff Regulations
Effective May 2,2025,at 12:01 a.m. EDT, significant changes will be implemented regarding tariffs on goods from the Peopel’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong. These changes follow notification from the Secretary of Commerce that adequate systems are in place to collect tariff revenue.
- General Duties: Imported goods valued at or under $800, typically eligible for the
de minimis
exemption, will now be subject to all applicable duties if transported through means other than the international postal network. these duties must be paid according to standard entry and payment procedures. - Postal Items: Postal items valued at or under $800 will face a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item. This rate will increase to $50 per item after June 1, 2025. this new duty structure supersedes any prior orders.
- Reporting Requirements: Carriers transporting these postal items are now required to report shipment details to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), maintain an international carrier bond to ensure duty payment, and remit duties to CBP on a predetermined schedule.
- CBP Authority: CBP retains the authority to require formal entry for any postal package, overriding the specified duties.
- Impact Assessment: The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with submitting a report within 90 days to assess the impact of this order and to consider extending these rules to packages from Macau.
Combating China’s Role in the Opioid Crisis
The Trump administration is directly addressing what it sees as deceptive shipping practices employed by Chinese-based shippers. These shippers often conceal illicit substances, including synthetic opioids, within low-value packages to exploit the de minimis
exemption.
The administration asserts that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) incentivizes PRC chemical companies to export fentanyl and related precursor chemicals. These chemicals are then used to produce synthetic opioids sold illicitly in the United States.
Many PRC-based chemical companies hide illicit substances in the flow of legitimate commerce, including through false invoices, fraudulent postage, and deceptive packaging.
The U.S. government contrasts its previous generous
de minimis
exemption with China’s strict import restrictions and limited exemptions, arguing a lack of reciprocity.
Promises Made, Promises Kept
The administration emphasizes that these actions fulfill campaign promises made by President Trump to address the drug crisis and secure the border.
We will not rest until we have ended the drug addiction crisis.President Donald J. Trump
The administration highlights previous actions, including the implementation of 20% tariffs on china, aimed at curbing the influx of synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the United States. [[1]], [[2]], [[3]] While Canada and Mexico were initially exempt from some of these tariffs, the broader strategy aims to disrupt international drug trafficking networks.
