The Aporia
Ma, S., & Xu, X. (2026, September 22). China tightens control on more fentanyl precursors ahead of Xi-Trump meeting. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/economy/article/3368405/china-tightens-control-more-fentanyl-precursors-ahead-xi-trump-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed
Ma, Sylvia, and Xiaofei Xu. “China tightens control on more fentanyl precursors ahead of Xi-Trump meeting.” South China Morning Post, 22 Sept. 2026, https://www.scmp.com/economy/article/3368405/china-tightens-control-more-fentanyl-precursors-ahead-xi-trump-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed.
Ma, Sylvia, and Xiaofei Xu. “China tightens control on more fentanyl precursors ahead of Xi-Trump meeting.” South China Morning Post, September 22, 2026. https://www.scmp.com/economy/article/3368405/china-tightens-control-more-fentanyl-precursors-ahead-xi-trump-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed.
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On September 23, 2026, China added two new chemicals to its export control list for drug precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, requiring permits for exports to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The move came ahead of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the US, aiming to address concerns raised by the Trump administration about the flow of these substances into North America. China's Ministry of Commerce and four other agencies now regulate 18 chemicals that can be used in fentanyl production under this export control measure. Additionally, Chinese authorities issued guidelines for criminal cases involving fentanyl-related substances to clarify conviction criteria and sentencing standards. These actions reflect Beijing’s efforts to improve bilateral relations with the US through enhanced cooperation on drug trafficking issues.