President Donald J. Trump has signed a new executive order reducing tariffs on Chinese imports after Beijing agreed to take stronger action against the global flow of synthetic opioid chemicals, including fentanyl precursors.
The order, issued on November 4, 2025, modifies earlier measures imposed under a national emergency declared in February. That emergency targeted China’s alleged failure to stop fentanyl-related chemicals from reaching the United States, a problem Washington says poses an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to national security and the U.S. economy.
Under the new directive, the additional ad valorem duty on Chinese-origin goods—raised to 20 percent in March—will be lowered back to 10 percent effective November 10. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule will be formally amended to reflect this change.
The reduction follows commitments from the Chinese government to halt shipments of certain designated chemicals to North America and tighten global controls on other substances linked to synthetic opioid production. U.S. officials say China’s cooperation marks a key step in addressing the fentanyl crisis.
The Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the State Department, Treasury, and other agencies, will continue monitoring China’s compliance. The order warns that tariffs may be raised again if Beijing fails to uphold its commitments.
The executive order also delegates broad implementation authority to the Secretary of Homeland Security, who may issue regulations or guidance as needed.
