U.S. Bans New Imports from China Amid Forced Labor Allegations Involving Muslim Minorities

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a ban on imports from two Chinese companies, Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. and Changzhou Guanghui Food Ingredients Co. Ltd., due to allegations of forced labor linked to Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Arab News reported today.

This action expands the U.S. effort to prevent goods associated with human rights abuses from entering the country, marking the first time a steel manufacturer and an aspartame producer have been targeted under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Since June 2022, the entity list has swelled to 75 companies accused of using forced labor. Robert Silvers, undersecretary of Homeland Security, emphasized the U.S. commitment to eliminating forced labor from supply chains, stating that no sector is exempt from scrutiny. The law, enacted in late 2021, reflects a shift in U.S.-China trade relations, prioritizing national security and human rights concerns.

China has denied these allegations, asserting that its policies in Xinjiang are aimed at combating terrorism and ensuring stability.