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Importing the Opioid Crisis? International Trade and Fentanyl Overdoses

Author

Listed:
  • Timothy J Moore

    (Purdue University)

  • William W. Olney

    (Williams College)

  • Benjamin Hansen

    (University of Oregon)

Abstract

"The U.S. opioid crisis is now driven by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that currently accounts for 90% of all opioid deaths. Fentanyl is smuggled from abroad, with little evidence of how this happens. We find a positive relationship between state-level imports and drug overdoses, which is consistent with fentanyl smuggling occurring via legal trade flows. This relationship accounts for 14,000-20,000 deaths per year, and is not explained by geographic differences in ``deaths of despair,'' general demand for opioids, or import competition. Our results suggest that fentanyl smuggling via imports is pervasive and a key determinant of recent opioid problems."

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy J Moore & William W. Olney & Benjamin Hansen, 2025. "Importing the Opioid Crisis? International Trade and Fentanyl Overdoses," Department of Economics Working Papers 2025_115, Department of Economics, Williams College.
    • Handle: RePEc:wil:wileco:2025_115
    DOI: 10.36934/wecon:2025_115
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    JEL classification:

    • K4 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior
    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • F6 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization

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