US Bans Imports of Steel and Artificial Sweeteners from Chinese Companies Over Forced Labor Allegations

The Department of Homeland Security announced last Wednesday a ban on imports of steel and artificial sweeteners from two Chinese companies, Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. and Changzhou Guanghui Food Ingredients Co. Ltd., AOL reported. This decision stems from allegations of forced labor practices associated with these firms.

These companies have been added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) entity list, which aims to combat forced labor and hold violators accountable. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the UFLPA as a critical tool for American businesses to scrutinize their supply chains and set a global standard against forced labor.

This marks the first instance of a steel or aspartame company being sanctioned under the UFLPA, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to human rights and the elimination of forced labor in all sectors.