U.S. Targets More Firms in Uyghur Labor Crackdown: 37 Added to List

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The U.S. has intensified its efforts to combat forced labor, targeting 37 new Chinese companies under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

At a Glance

  • The Biden administration has banned imports from 37 Chinese companies over alleged forced labor in Xinjiang.
  • Banned sectors include mining, solar, and textiles, with Huafu Fashion and several subsidiaries notably affected.
  • The prohibition now includes 144 companies since the UFLPA’s inception in December 2021.
  • China refutes the allegations, considering the U.S. legislation “evil” and an interference in their domestic matters.

Biden Administration’s New Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has expanded the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) list by adding 37 Chinese companies. The enforcement is aimed at combating alleged forced labor practices, particularly in Xinjiang. It affects sectors such as mining, solar, and textiles.

Notably, textile manufacturer Huafu Fashion and 25 subsidiaries are included. This development comes amid growing concerns over abuses in minority communities. Zijin Mining Group and a subsidiary of JA Solar Technology Co. have also come under the ban.

Response and Repercussions

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has underlined the U.S. commitment to fighting forced labor. Despite previous denials by China, the enforcement remains robust, forbidding imports unless free of forced labor. This marks the largest expansion of the UFLPA since December 2021.

Guo Jiakun labels the new measures “evil,” a stark rebuke of U.S. actions. China accuses the UFLPA of unnecessary interference. However, the U.S. stands firm, pressing European allies and enterprises to reject products from Xinjiang while still considering affected solar companies’ shifts to Western polysilicon.

Implications for Trade

Expanding the UFLPA might challenge U.S.-China trade relations, especially for entities like Huafu with vertically integrated operations in Xinjiang. Connections to the sanctioned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps complicate matters.

Continued claims by Chinese authorities dismiss forced labor allegations as Western anti-China sentiments. Yet, the evidence and moral commitments drive the U.S. stance to address these human rights abuses. The UFLPA sends a stern diplomatic signal, solidifying commitments to ethical trade practices.

Sources:

  1. US Bans Imports From 37 China Firms Over Forced Labor Charge
  2. US bans imports from 37 more Chinese companies over Uyghur forced labor, including Huafu Fashion
  3. US Bans Imports From 37 Chinese Companies Over Uyghur Forced Labor