The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Wednesday that it would block imports of products from a Chinese steel producer and a Chinese artificial sweetener manufacturer, accusing both companies of involvement in forced labor practices in China’s Xinjiang region.
This move expands the U.S. government’s efforts to prevent products linked to human rights violations from entering the country. The decision, made under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, marks the first time a steel company and an aspartame producer based in China have been targeted by U.S. authorities.
“Today’s actions reaffirm our commitment to eliminating forced labor from U.S. supply chains and upholding human rights for all,” said Robert Silvers, Undersecretary of Homeland Security for Policy. “No industry is exempt. We will continue to identify entities across various sectors and hold accountable those who profit from exploitation and abuse.”
President Joe Biden signed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act into law at the end of 2021, following allegations of human rights abuses by the Chinese government against the Uyghur ethnic group and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. While China has repeatedly denied these accusations, asserting its policies in the region are aimed at combating terrorism and maintaining stability, the U.S. has made human rights a growing focus in its trade relationship with China. Beijing has criticized the U.S. for using human rights concerns as a means to stifle China’s economic growth.
Initially, the U.S. law focused on restricting imports of solar products, tomatoes, cotton, and apparel. However, in recent months, enforcement has expanded to include industries such as aluminum and seafood.
“Unfortunately, forced labor continues to affect too many supply chains,” Silvers said during a speech to a trade group in June, commemorating the two-year anniversary of the entity list’s creation. “Our enforcement reach has extended across many sectors.”
Silvers noted that the law shifts the responsibility onto importers to know their supply chains and emphasized that it is possible to address human rights concerns without disrupting regular trade activities.
Since June 2022, the entity list has grown to include 75 companies accused of using forced labor in Xinjiang or sourcing materials connected to such labor, according to DHS.
Top 8 Must-Have Gaming Deals You Can’t Miss!
The latest companies added to the list are Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. and Changzhou Guanghui Food Ingredients Co. Ltd.
