U.S. Blocks Imports from 26 Chinese Cotton Firms Over Forced Labor

The United States government announced on Thursday that it is blocking imports from 26 Chinese cotton traders and warehouse facilities. The announcement is part of a larger effort to eliminate any goods made with Uyghur forced labor from the U.S. supply chain. Beijing has denied these allegations.

With these new additions, there are now 65 companies restricted under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The U.S. government says that forced labor in China's Xinjiang region, where many Uyghurs live, is part of an ongoing genocide of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mentioned that many of the listed cotton companies are based outside Xinjiang but still get their cotton from the region. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted the importance of this measure to help responsible companies avoid using forced labor. “We will not allow goods produced in whole or in part through forced labor to enter the United States. We’re shining a light on it,” he said.

“We will not allow goods produced in whole or in part through forced labor to enter the United States. We’re shining a light on it.”

— Alejandro Mayorkas

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the move, calling the UFLPA a tool for U.S. politicians to disrupt stability in Xinjiang and hinder China's development.

U.S. lawmakers have supported the expansion of the UFLPA Entity List and are calling for more industries to be included. The Biden administration's decision follows complaints from U.S. manufacturers about unfair competition from Chinese firms using forced labor. This action aims to ensure businesses are aware of potential abuses in their supply chains.

The crackdown on forced labor imports is part of a larger U.S. effort to address human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The UFLPA, in effect since 2022, bans all imports linked to Xinjiang and requires U.S. companies to thoroughly check their supply chains.

The Biden administration also plans to review the de minimis exemption, which allows packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. with minimal customs scrutiny. This rule has been exploited by companies like Shein and Temu, leading to calls for changes to prevent the import of illicit goods.