China expands drug precursor export controls to US, Mexico, and Canada

China has expanded its export controls on drug precursor chemicals, now requiring permits for shipments of two additional substances to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This move brings the total number of controlled chemicals to 18.

The announcement from the Commerce Ministry and other authorities comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. The United States has previously identified China as a primary producer of precursors used in the illicit manufacture of fentanyl and methamphetamine, urging more aggressive regulation to curb the flow of these substances.

This expansion follows a series of regulatory updates by Beijing, including restrictions on 13 chemicals in November 2025 and three additional fentanyl-related precursors in May. These measures follow previous diplomatic engagements between the two leaders in South Korea and Beijing.