WASHINGTON : Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he expects to lower the 20% tariffs he imposed earlier this year on Chinese imports, contingent on China taking concrete steps to restrict the flow of chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl. The synthetic opioid has been linked to nearly 450,000 overdose deaths in the United States, prompting Washington to push Beijing for tougher export controls.

The tariffs were first introduced after Trump accused China of failing to rein in the production and export of fentanyl precursors. While both nations reached a fragile trade truce in later talks, the levies remained in place due to the absence of tangible progress on the drug issue.

China, for its part, has long rejected U.S. allegations, insisting that it maintains a strong chemical control regime and accusing Washington of using fentanyl as a form of “blackmail.” However, in a notable shift ahead of an upcoming meeting between both presidents, Beijing has adopted a softer tone. Instead of labelling the crisis as purely an American problem, Chinese officials have expressed sympathy and signaled willingness to cooperate.

China’s ambassador to Washington, Xie Feng, recently stated that issues like fentanyl and illegal immigration could become “highlights and growth points” for bilateral cooperation, suggesting a thaw after months of tension.