Trump's Tariffs Target Fentanyl Crisis but Face Criticism Over Effectiveness

The administration claims tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China aim to curb fentanyl trafficking, but experts and data question their impact.

The Trump administration states that tariffs on Mexico and Canada are intended to pressure these countries to help combat fentanyl smuggling into the U.S.
Critics argue that most fentanyl trafficking occurs through legal border crossings by U.S. citizens, making tariffs ineffective in addressing the crisis.
Tariffs on China are aimed at regulating the export of fentanyl precursors, but small-scale shipments often bypass tariff impacts, limiting their effectiveness.
Economic experts warn that the tariffs could increase costs for American consumers and businesses, further straining the economy and eroding purchasing power.
While some progress was made with China in 2019 to restrict fentanyl exports, experts suggest broader negotiations and enforcement are needed to address the issue more comprehensively.