U.S. Bans Imports From 26 Chinese Textile Firms

The US has announced that it is blocking imports from dozens of China-based textile companies, citing forced labor concerns, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act bans the import of all goods from Xinjiang unless companies can provide verifiable proof that production did not involve forced labor.

Of the 26 new additions to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, 21 were identified as sourcing and selling cotton from China’s northwestern Xinjiang region on the wholesale market.

Five others were found to procure cotton from the region. The targeted entities include cotton traders and warehouse facilities within China, mostly operating outside of Xinjiang.

Beijing has been accused of incarcerating over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention facilities in Xinjiang, allegations that Chinese officials strongly deny.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act bans the import of all goods from Xinjiang unless companies can provide verifiable proof that production did not involve forced labor.

“We will continue to execute on our textile enforcement strategy and hold the PRC accountable for their exploitation and abuse of the Uyghur people,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, referring to the People’s Republic of China.