China Tightens Controls on Drug-Precursor Exports Before Trump–Xi Meeting

2026, September 22

China / United States

China announced new export-permit requirements for two additional chemicals shipped to the United States, Mexico and Canada. The measures bring the total number of controlled substances to 18 and were announced shortly before a planned meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Washington has identified China as a major source of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl and methamphetamine, while Beijing says it has been taking action against illegal drug production and objects to what it views as unilateral U.S. pressure. The issue is part of wider tensions over trade, technology and national-security controls.