China is considering offering new commitments to curb the export of chemicals used in fentanyl production, in a potential move to reopen stalled trade negotiations with the United States, according to people familiar with the matter cited by The Wall Street Journal. The discussions come as President Donald Trump ramps up his tariff offensive, including a recent 145% levy on Chinese goods and the closure of tariff-free access for low-value imports.
Chinese Minister for Public Security Wang Xiaohong has reportedly been seeking clarity on what the Trump administration expects from Beijing regarding fentanyl-related chemicals, amid a broader effort to de-escalate trade tensions. The proposal includes the possibility of Wang traveling to the U.S. to meet senior Trump officials or arranging talks in a neutral third country.
Officials involved in the discussions caution that talks remain fluid, and Chinese authorities are still evaluating whether a fentanyl agreement could serve as an "icebreaker" in a more comprehensive trade dialogue. "Fentanyl can be the icebreaker for the two countries to start with a more positive tone," said Yun Sun of the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank.
The Biden and Trump administrations have both blamed Chinese exporters for providing precursor chemicals used by drug cartels to manufacture synthetic opioids, which have fueled nearly 450,000 U.S. overdose deaths in recent years. Beijing has pushed back, citing its strict drug enforcement and arguing that Washington must address domestic demand and addiction.
On Friday, the Trump administration took further steps to restrict Chinese commerce by removing the "de minimis" exemption, which had allowed low-value imports from China and Hong Kong-used heavily by companies like Shein and Temu-to enter the U.S. duty-free. The exemption had also been exploited by traffickers of fentanyl and counterfeit goods.
At the same time, China's Ministry of Commerce said it is reviewing a recent U.S. offer to restart negotiations but warned against what it called "extortion and coercion." It added that Washington must show "sincerity" in seeking a resolution. The ministry has previously maintained that U.S. tariff reductions would be a precondition to any formal talks.
President Trump said Wednesday there was a "very good chance" of securing a new deal with China, although direct negotiations have so far yielded little progress. According to Reuters, recent engagement has occurred mainly between senior staff at the Chinese embassy in Washington and the U.S. National Security Council, with American officials accusing Beijing of insincerity in its negotiating posture.
President Xi Jinping, without naming the United States, instructed Chinese officials this week to adjust to changes in the global environment. The move comes as China's economy grapples with mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs, global supply chain realignments, and a domestic slowdown.
