President Tags 26 Countries as Top Drug Transit Threats for 2026
Published Date: 9/17/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The President named 23 countries as major drug transit or drug-producing nations for fiscal year 2026, including Afghanistan, Colombia, and Mexico. Five countries—Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela—are flagged for not meeting international drug control commitments, which could affect U.S. aid and cooperation. These decisions kick in for FY 2026, shaping how the U.S. works with these countries on drug issues and possibly impacting funding.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
23 Countries Named for FY2026
On September 8, 2025, the President officially identified 23 countries as "major drug transit or major illicit drug producing" countries for Fiscal Year 2026. The listed countries are: Afghanistan; The Bahamas; Belize; Bolivia; Burma; the People’s Republic of China; Colombia; Costa Rica; the Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; Guatemala; Haiti; Honduras; India; Jamaica; Laos; Mexico; Nicaragua; Pakistan; Panama; Peru; and Venezuela.
Five Countries Flagged as Failing Commitments
Pursuant to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, the President designated Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela as having "failed demonstrably" during the previous 12 months to adhere to international counternarcotics agreements and the measures required by law. This designation is dated September 8, 2025 and applies within the statutory framework described in the memorandum.
U.S. Assistance Declared Vital for Four Countries
The President determined that United States assistance to Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela "is vital to the national interests of the United States." That determination is included in the September 8, 2025 memorandum accompanying the section 706 designations.
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