Key Takeaways
- The US has added 43 more Chinese firms to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List.
- These bans target a wide range of industries, including electronics and metals.
- China’s Commerce Ministry condemned the action as an unfounded unilateral sanction.
The United States has expanded its ban on imports from Chinese companies suspected of using forced labor in Xinjiang, adding 43 more firms to a list that now includes 187 entities. This move targets a diverse range of industries, including electronics and metals.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, these new additions bring the total number of listed entities to 187 from 144, marking the largest single expansion since the act was signed into law in 2021. The ban is based on allegations that some companies are involved in recruiting or receiving Uyghurs and other persecuted groups.
Four of the newly listed companies were identified for their work with Xinjiang authorities to recruit, transfer, or receive Uyghurs and other minority groups. The remaining 41 were added due to sourcing materials from Xinjiang or entities linked to government labor programs in the region.
The ban affects firms involved in supply chains for products such as electric-vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. For instance, SDIC Xinjiang Lithium Industry and its parent company, SDIC Xinjiang Luobupo Potash, were listed due to their sourcing of lithium and potassium from brine at the Lop Nur Salt Lake.
Xinjiang Tianhongji Technology, which produces materials for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, was also added. The US notice states that this company sources petroleum coke, anthracite, and asphalt from Xinjiang to manufacture battery materials.
Hunan Aihua Group, a Chinese manufacturer of aluminum electrolytic capacitors used in various industries, including renewable energy systems, was listed because it is alleged to source chemical foil from a production base in Xinjiang. The company sells its products under the AiSHi brand and has a North American sales office in Glen Allen, Virginia.
The US government claims that these actions are necessary to protect America’s economy against products made with slave labor. Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, stated: 'Today’s action by the Trump administration strengthens America’s economy against products made with slave labor.'
China's Commerce Ministry has condemned the US action as an unfounded unilateral sanction and called it a lie. The ministry added that Chinese law prohibits forced labor and that workers in Xinjiang are free to choose their occupations.
Reuters contacted 10 of the newly listed companies for comment but received no responses outside normal business hours.
'Today’s action by the Trump administration strengthens America’s economy against products made with slave labor.'
Representative John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China
