Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid painkiller, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Only two milligrams (pencil peak size) can be fatal. The illegally produced fentanyl is often mixed into fake pills or drugs such as heroin, causing accidental overdose.
In 2024 in 2024, more than 112,000 deaths of US overdose were driven, making it the American cause of death #1 for adults under 45 years. While pharmaceutical fentanyl treatment establishes severe pain, illegal versions are usually smuggled from laboratories in China and Mexico.
Why does Trump accuse Canada?
Donald Trump justified 35 % of the tariff on Canada and often claimed that Ottawa allowed Fentanyl to “pour into the US”. In his letter PM Mark Carney, he accused Canada of “stopping drugs” and, instead of cooperation, searched and sewed the tariffs.
Trump threatened to further increase tariffs if Canada was fighting, and urges society to “build or produce in the US” to avoid fees.
Data vs vs policy
Despite Trump’s demands, less than 1 percent of confiscated US fentanyl were entered through Canada. Experts call its focus “misleading”.
- The Manhattan Institute report found no evidence that Canada was the main source of fentanyl.
- Canada appointed “Fentanyl Car” and since 2024 has invested $ 1.3 billion in border security.
- Canadian officials note that most of the fentanyl in their country come from the US or China.
Critics claim that Trump uses a crisis to pressure on Canada on trade deficits and milk tariffs.
Wider business war
The tariff could disrupt $ 413 billion of the annual Canadian imports to the US and increase prices for cars, timber and machines. While the goods of compliance with the USMCA business agreement can still be exempt, economists warn that US consumers and manufacturers will pay more.
Canada plans countermeasures and strengthens ties with the EU and Great Britain, while Carney promises to “defend our workers”. Trump also announced 15-20 % blankets on other countries and increased global tension trade.
(Tagstotranslate) fentanyl crisis
