The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Nov. 22 that 29 additional Chinese companies are barred from exporting goods to the United States. These firms, accused of using forced labor, bring the total number of banned entities to 107 under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
This latest action primarily affects companies in agriculture and metals, sectors heavily reliant on Xinjiang-based operations. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reaffirmed the US commitment to human rights, stating that products linked to forced labor have no place in American markets. He also highlighted the broader goal of promoting fairness in global trade.
NEW: Today, DHS, on behalf of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), announced the addition of 29 companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List – bringing the total number of entities on the UFLPA… pic.twitter.com/NPlRnA3Kdb
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) November 22, 2024
The blacklist includes firms producing goods like tomato paste, walnuts, and raisins. Additionally, companies engaged in mining and processing metals such as gold and chromium were sanctioned. Several of these firms supply materials to battery manufacturers, which have faced increasing scrutiny over ties to forced labor.
Lawmakers, including Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) and Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), expressed support for the DHS action. However, they called for more robust measures to curb reliance on Chinese supply chains, particularly in industries critical to national security. Recent proposals in Congress seek to address loopholes that allow certain goods to evade inspection.
US Blacklists 29 Chinese Companies Over Forced Laborhttps://t.co/4jpLZS4TRm
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) November 24, 2024
The Xinjiang region, home to the Uyghur population, has become a focal point for allegations of human rights abuses. Reports suggest that forced labor is widespread in industries tied to the region’s resources. Critics argue that current enforcement efforts, while significant, require additional oversight to ensure full compliance.
The U.S. has finally added Xinjiang Nonferrous and other known offenders to its list of forced labor companies in China. @ChuBailiang and I broke the story two years ago on the company’s participation in labor transfers the U.S. defines as forced labor https://t.co/E6GSOQcemd
— Ana Swanson (@AnaSwanson) November 24, 2024
Global initiatives to combat forced labor are gaining momentum. The European Union recently adopted measures to block imports linked to such practices. These actions reflect a growing consensus among Western nations to address forced labor and hold perpetrators accountable.
