US Names India a Key Player in Fentanyl Crisis as Tariff Threats Loom

India joins China as a major supplier of fentanyl precursors, with trade negotiations underway to avoid potential US tariffs.

The Intelligence Community has identified India, alongside China, as a state actor enabling the supply of precursor chemicals for illicit fentanyl production.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, caused over 52,000 deaths in the US in the 12 months ending October 2024, despite a 33% decline in overdose deaths compared to the previous year.
The Trump administration has imposed a 10% tariff on China and threatened similar measures against India, linking trade penalties to fentanyl trafficking enforcement.
An India-based chemical company and three employees were recently charged in the US for illegally importing fentanyl precursors, marking a significant legal action.
Fentanyl seizures at the US-Mexico border dropped 40% from January to February 2025, raising questions about shifting trafficking routes or enforcement effectiveness.