Donald Trump: What is there in Fentanyl drug? For which Trump imposed 35% tariff on Canada

Donald Trump: US President Donald Trump has imposed a new tariff of 35% on Fentanyl drug imported from Canada. Trump claims that this synthetic opioid is killing thousands of people in the US every year. Experts are seeing this move as an escalation of tensions and trade dispute between the two countries. This tariff can not only affect bilateral relations, but it can also have a profound impact on global trade and health policies. Let's understand this matter in detail: what is fentanyl, why did it become a crisis, and what message does Trump's move send?

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, used in the medical field as a pain reliever for severe pain, especially cancer patients. It is 50 times more powerful than morphine and 100 times more powerful than heroine. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes it in the list of essential medicines, but its abuse has also increased due to its extreme potency and addictive nature. The illegal production and smuggling of fentanyl has become a global crisis as it is being sold mixed with narcotics, leading to a rapid increase in overdose cases.

Fentanyl: A major crisis in the US

The number of deaths due to fentanyl in the US is alarming. According to media reports, about 70,000 people died due to overdose in 2023 and more than 1.12 lakh people died in 2024, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids being the main cause. The dangerous nature of this drug can be gauged from the fact that even a pencil tip amount can be fatal. Still, its use as an intoxicant is increasing, which has led to social, economic and health problems.

Why tariffs on Canada?

Trump alleges that Canada has failed to stop the smuggling of fentanyl, due to which this drug is easily reaching the US borders. However, a recent report by the Manhattan Institute refutes this claim. According to the report, smuggling from Canada is negligible, and most of the illegal fentanyl in the US comes from China and Mexico. Still, Trump wrote a letter to the Canadian Prime Minister making it clear that Canada has not done enough to stop this illegal trade.

Political and business strategies also appear to be behind this tariff. Trump has previously taken a tough stance towards Canada, and he has jokingly talked about making Canada the 51st state of America. This tariff may be part of his stance, which is aimed at pressuring Canada.

Fentanyl production globally

Fentanyl is produced in many countries, including both legal and illegal sources:

China: Long the largest producer of fentanyl and its raw materials (precursors). Although China has tightened controls in recent years, illegal labs are still active.

• Mexico: A major center of illegal fentanyl production, from where it reaches the US through smuggling.
• India: Legal pharmaceutical companies make fentanyl for medical use, which is exported to many countries.
• Canada: Both legal and illegal production takes place, but the number of illegal labs is limited.
• USA: Fentanyl is produced for medical use, but illegal production is low due to strict laws.
• Europe: Limited legal production takes place in countries like Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Impact of tariffs and ways to resolve

This tariff can strain trade relations between the two countries. Canada is an important trading partner of the US, and such a move can affect mutual trade. Experts believe that imposing tariffs alone will not solve the fentanyl crisis. It requires:

• International cooperation: All countries will have to come together to stop smuggling and illegal production.
• Health services: Promote de-addiction and awareness programs.
• Strict laws: Strict measures to control border security and drug smuggling.
• Social awareness: Educate people about the dangers of fentanyl.