Trump Administration Ties Tariffs to Fatal Fentanyl Overdoses, Which Are Declining
Briefly

In a recent interview, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick indicated that tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China could potentially be lifted if these countries can demonstrate a reduction in fentanyl-related overdoses. Despite President Trump's claims of a significant number of fentanyl-caused deaths, recent CDC data reveals a steep decline in fatal overdoses, attributed more to public health initiatives such as greater access to naloxone and other treatments rather than border policies.
Mr. Lutnick stated that tariff lifts on Canada, Mexico, and China depend on proving a reduction in fentanyl overdose deaths, a significant point for U.S.-Canada relations.
Despite claims from Mr. Trump about high overdose rates, data shows a 30 percent decrease in fentanyl-related deaths, leading experts to attribute progress to public health measures more than policy changes.
The CDC reported a 24 percent drop in overdose deaths, suggesting that opioid policy effectiveness is linked to increased access to treatments like naloxone rather than tariffs.
Experts emphasize that recent declines in fentanyl overdoses are largely due to public health initiatives rather than changes in border control or tariffs, a crucial distinction.
Read at www.nytimes.com
[
|
]