China Denies Fentanyl Exports to North America, Citing U.S. Consuming 80% of Global Opioids

China's top drug regulator has stated that the country has never exported fentanyl or fentanyl-like drugs to North America, countering claims that it contributes to the opioid crisis in the United States. The National Medical Products Administration emphasized that China exercises strict controls to prevent illegal flows of these substances. Furthermore, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Public Security noted that most Chinese companies targeted by U.S. sanctions related to fentanyl were not engaged in trading the chemical. In response to U.S. tariffs aimed at addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain, Chinese officials reiterated their commitment to stringent domestic monitoring and enforcement measures against the illegal drug trade. They highlighted that despite having only 5% of the global population, the U.S. consumes 80% of the world's opioids, suggesting that the origins of the fentanyl crisis lie within the U.S. itself.