Trump’s 2025 Tariffs on China Made the Fentanyl Crisis Worse — Not Better

In 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a series of tariffs on China, claiming they were responsible for the surge of fentanyl poisoning the United States. The move was pitched as a tough crackdown on China’s role in the opioid crisis. But a detailed analysis from the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) reveals a far different story: the tariffs did nothing to stem the flow of fentanyl, instead triggering economic turmoil and hurting American consumers.

Fentanyl abuse is a public health emergency, killing tens of thousands annually. Yet instead of addressing the root causes—such as weak border enforcement and the rise of synthetic opioids from other countries—Trump’s tariffs targeted China’s economy broadly. The result was predictable: retaliatory tariffs from China, disrupted supply chains, and higher costs for American businesses and families.

PIIE’s research shows that these tariffs did not reduce fentanyl imports. The deadly drug continued to pour into the US through other channels, often from countries not targeted by tariffs. Meanwhile, American workers and consumers bore the brunt of price hikes caused by the trade war. Industries reliant on Chinese imports faced increased costs, which passed down to everyday Americans already struggling with inflation.

This episode fits a familiar pattern under the Trump administration: using grandiose trade battles to score political points while ignoring the complex realities of public health and international crime. The tariffs were less about stopping fentanyl and more about posturing against China. Corporate allies profited from the chaos, while the opioid epidemic raged on.

Trump’s trade war tactics have repeatedly proven to be economic blunders dressed up as tough policy. The 2025 fentanyl tariffs were no different. They failed the American people—worsening economic hardship and leaving the fentanyl crisis unchecked. Accountability demands that we call out these reckless policies for what they are: harmful distractions that let corruption and incompetence flourish.