Washington says Chinese chemical manufacturers and exporters provide most precursor chemicals used by drug cartels to produce synthetic opioids, the cause of nearly 450,000 U.S. overdose deaths. China has long defended its tough drug laws and record of cracking down on smugglers, and says the U.S. must get a handle on its own addiction woes.

Addressing the Trump team’s gripes over China’s role in the fentanyl crisis could let both sides soften trade stance.

China is exploring curbing chemical exports tied to fentanyl in a potential opening for stalled US trade negotiations under US President Trump.