China tightens export controls on drug precursors ahead of Trump, Xi meeting

China has implemented stricter controls on the export of chemical compounds used in drug production, ahead of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. The Commerce Ministry announced the need for permits for two more chemicals, which are primarily destined for the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

This action increases the total number of regulated precursor drugs to eighteen. The United States has frequently accused China of being the world's leading source of these substances, which are used to manufacture illegal drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. The two nations have a history of diplomatic tension in this area, with Beijing tightening controls in November 2025 and adding three more precursors in May.

These actions followed high-level meetings between the two presidents in South Korea and Beijing. Economic disputes between the countries have often impeded cooperation on counternarcotics efforts. The United States imposed fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese goods, which Beijing strongly opposed. In March 2025, Beijing released a report detailing its domestic measures to combat drug trafficking.

The recent export controls suggest a fresh effort at collaboration between the two nations. However, as President Xi and President Trump meet, the summit will be scrutinized to see if it can effectively address the public health crisis of synthetic drug overdoses while maintaining and enhancing economic ties.