US Imposes Further Import Restrictions Due to Uyghur Forced Labor Concerns

The United States announced on Saturday, November 23, new restrictions on imports from approximately 30 China-based companies, citing concerns over forced labor practices in Xinjiang, Arab News reported.

This action adds to the existing list under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, increasing the total to 107 entities.

The Department of Homeland Security indicated that these companies either source materials from Xinjiang or collaborate with local authorities to recruit Uyghur workers. The affected sectors include food and metals, with firms linked to electric vehicle battery manufacturers like CATL and Gotion among those targeted.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai emphasized the commitment to preventing companies from benefiting from labor exploitation. The regulations take effect on November 25, reinforcing the US stance against forced labor amid ongoing accusations against China regarding the treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in the region.