The White House announced a reduction in tariffs on certain products from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) following commitments by the Chinese government to address the flow of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, into the United States.
President Donald J. Trump issued an order stating, “By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby determine and order:”
The background section recalls that Executive Order 14195 declared a national emergency due to China’s failure to stop synthetic opioid shipments to the United States and imposed a 10 percent additional tariff on PRC goods. This was later raised to 20 percent under Executive Order 14228 after continued concerns about illicit drug flows.
Recent discussions between U.S. and Chinese officials resulted in new commitments from China. According to President Trump’s statement: “After discussions between the United States and the PRC, among other things, the PRC has committed to take steps to alleviate the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14195. Specifically, the PRC has committed to take significant measures to end the flow of fentanyl to the United States, including stopping the shipment of certain designated chemicals to North America and strictly controlling exports of certain other chemicals to all destinations in the world.”
As part of this agreement, “the United States committed to, among other things, reduce the additional ad valorem rate of duty applicable under Executive Order 14195, as amended, from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective November 10, 2025,” according to President Trump.
The order directs that all articles previously subject to a 20 percent tariff will instead be subject to a reduced rate of 10 percent starting November 10, with changes reflected in subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with monitoring China’s compliance with its commitments and updating executive leadership on progress or setbacks. The Secretary may recommend further action if needed.
Further sections outline implementation responsibilities for federal agencies and clarify that if any part of this order is invalidated by law or court decision, remaining provisions will continue in effect.
President Trump concluded with standard legal provisions clarifying agency authorities and implementation requirements for this directive.
