The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded its blacklist on Nov. 22, banning 29 Chinese companies for their involvement in forced labor. This action, part of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), brings the total number of sanctioned firms to 107.
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that forced labor is incompatible with human rights and economic fairness. He reaffirmed the US commitment to blocking such goods from entering its markets. The sanctions primarily target companies in agriculture, mining, and metals.
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
Agricultural firms producing goods like tomato paste and raisins account for most of the new additions. Mining companies involved in processing metals essential for batteries were also sanctioned, drawing attention to supply chain vulnerabilities. Two state-owned enterprises, Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Industry Group and Xinjiang Zhonghe Co., are among those named.
US Blacklists 29 Chinese Companies Over Forced Laborhttps://t.co/4jpLZS4TRm
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) November 24, 2024
Legislators have applauded the move but insist more needs to be done. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) emphasized the importance of addressing loopholes in customs laws that allow certain imports to evade scrutiny. Proposed reforms aim to close these gaps and strengthen enforcement.
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 Xinjiang region, where these firms operate, has been at the center of forced labor allegations. Advocacy groups and international organizations have documented widespread abuses tied to industries reliant on the region’s resources.
Globally, the issue is gaining attention. The European Union recently advanced measures to block imports linked to forced labor, echoing US efforts. The coordinated actions reflect growing global condemnation of these exploitative practices.
