China adds two drug-precursor chemicals to export controls for Canada, U.S. and Mexico

Reuters reported at 07:39 UTC on September 22, citing a Chinese Commerce Ministry statement, that China added two controlled drug-precursor chemicals and will require exporters to obtain permits before shipping them to Canada, the United States or Mexico. The ministry's public decision confirms the policy change, so this report is marked confirmed.

The change was introduced before Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump meet in Washington this week. The Trump administration has repeatedly pressed Beijing to restrict chemicals used to make fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, but the timing does not establish that the two governments reached a new formal agreement on this measure.

For context, China added three other precursor chemicals after a May leaders' summit and restricted their export to the same three North American countries. The two newly listed substances are a further expansion and should not be counted as the same three chemicals designated in May.

The initial public report did not identify the two substances, the licensing criteria, effective date, exemptions or penalties. N Globe does not infer that the rule has already reduced fentanyl supply or deaths; its effect requires later customs data and enforcement evidence.

The image is an N Globe editorial illustration, not footage of the chemicals or enforcement. News value: A; originRegion: China; primary section: Health; relatedRegions: Canada, United States, Mexico and worldwide; source time: September 22, 2026, 07:39 UTC; report date: September 22, 2026.