The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Nov. 22 that 29 additional Chinese companies have been barred from importing goods into the United States. The decision is part of an ongoing campaign to enforce the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which targets forced labor in supply chains.
The sanctions, aimed at firms operating in agriculture, metals, and technology, reflect a broader effort to ensure American consumers are not supporting forced labor. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that these actions uphold human rights while promoting fair economic practices.
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
Among the blacklisted entities, 23 are agricultural producers involved in exporting items like raisins, walnuts, and tomato paste. Other companies mine and process critical materials such as aluminum and gold. Two of the sanctioned firms are linked to Chinese battery production, raising concerns about the ethics of global supply chains.
US lawmakers, including Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), commended the DHS move but emphasized the need for additional measures. Gaps in current customs laws allow some goods made with forced labor to enter the US market, particularly under the “de minimis” exemption for low-value imports. Legislation to close this loophole is being debated in Congress.
US Blacklists 29 Chinese Companies Over Forced Laborhttps://t.co/4jpLZS4TRm
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) November 24, 2024
Reports from Xinjiang, where these companies are based, suggest forced labor is prevalent in industries tied to the region’s vast resources. Advocacy groups have called for stronger oversight and penalties to ensure compliance with labor standards.
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
The issue is not confined to the United States. The European Union recently adopted resolutions targeting products linked to forced labor. These steps signal a coordinated international effort to hold accountable those who profit from exploitation.
