US Bans Imports from Two Chinese Companies

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has banned imports from two Chinese companies, Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel and Changzhou Guanghui Food Ingredients, due to their alleged use of forced labor in Xinjiang. This marks the first time a steel manufacturer and an aspartame producer have been targeted under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which aims to prevent products linked to human rights abuses from entering the U.S. supply chain. Robert Silvers, undersecretary of Homeland Security, emphasized the commitment to eliminating forced labor and stated that 'no sector is off-limits' for enforcement. Since June 2022, the entity list has expanded to include 75 companies accused of such practices. The Chinese government denies these allegations, claiming they are a facade for U.S. economic suppression. This move reflects a broader shift in U.S.-China trade policy, prioritizing national security and human rights concerns.