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Fentanyl ties into Trump’s tariff strategies explained

Fentanyl is central to U.S. tariffs; drug’s production in Mexico, impact on overdose deaths, and international responses highlighted.

Published

12 months ago

February 5, 2025

ticker NEWS

Fentanyl is central to U.S. tariffs; drug’s production in Mexico, impact on overdose deaths.

Fentanyl’s role in international trade relations has emerged as a focal point in U.S. tariff discussions. The opioid has been linked to hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S., prompting the government to pressure Mexico, Canada, and China to limit its supply.

Mexico is identified as the primary source of illicit fentanyl, with production largely occurring in makeshift labs operated by powerful cartels. The U.S. seized over 20,000 pounds of fentanyl last year, revealing the scale of trafficking into the country. Despite a decline in overall overdose deaths, fentanyl remains a leading contributor, likely due to its potency and ease of distribution.

The Trump administration has responded by delaying tariffs on Canada and Mexico while implementing a 10% tariff on China, alleging that Beijing has not adequately curtailed its fentanyl exports. In response, Mexico increased security at its border, deploying thousands of National Guard members to combat trafficking.

In Canada, where Mexican cartels are expanding operations, the government is investing in border security and monitoring precursor chemicals. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced measures to enhance collaborative efforts with the U.S. to combat drug-related crimes.

Although China previously restricted fentanyl production, companies continue to produce its chemical precursors, complicating enforcement efforts. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of addressing both the drug crisis and the geopolitical implications it creates.

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Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

19 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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News

Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

20 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranUS #Geopolitics #NavalTensions #Trump #AyatollahKhamenei #EuropeanUnion #GlobalConflict

News

Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

20 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

#CarlosAlcaraz #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #TennisHistory #NovakDjokovic #SportsNews #TennisTattoo #YoungChampion