The Facing Fentanyl 301 Trade Case addresses the growing fentanyl crisis in the United States and calls for relief against the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for practices supporting the manufacturing and trafficking of fentanyl precursors. On October 17, 2024, Wiley Rein filed this petition for Facing Fentanyl on behalf of their organization and families affected by fentanyl with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301. The case argues that China’s production and shipment of fentanyl precursors are directly responsible for the proliferation of illicit fentanyl in the U.S., which now accounts for a staggering number of American lives lost and inflicts deep economic and social costs on communities nationwide.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. In recent years, illicitly manufactured fentanyl, often mixed into other drugs without users’ knowledge, has become a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the U.S., contributing to hundreds of thousands of fatalities. The crisis has reached unprecedented levels, affecting families and burdening public health systems, law enforcement, and the broader economy. Fentanyl overdoses impose rising healthcare costs, escalate law enforcement expenses, reduce workforce productivity, and destabilize communities.

The petition requests immediate action from the USTR to address China’s direct role in this crisis. It argues that China’s policies and practices encourage the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl precursors, enabling criminal organizations to synthesize and distribute fentanyl within the U.S. The economic toll includes billions in healthcare costs, decreased workforce participation, lost productivity, and strained social services.

Facing Fentanyl’s filing proposes several measures, including imposing targeted tariffs on Chinese imports linked to companies or sectors involved in fentanyl precursor production. Tariffs are a critical tool to increase economic pressure without exacerbating inflation. Additionally, the petition advocates for strengthened tracking and reporting measures on precursor shipments, diplomatic engagement with China to halt precursor shipments, and closer collaboration with international partners to restrict precursor access globally.

The Facing Fentanyl 301 Trade Case urgently calls for bipartisan support to confront the devastating fentanyl crisis. We appreciate the Senators who have already urged the USTR to act.