US bans imports from dozens of Chinese firms

The United States said Tuesday that it is banning imports from dozens of China-based companies over alleged ties to forced labor, targeting firms in the mining, textiles and solar industries.

The Department of Homeland Security said it was adding 37 entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, bringing its total to nearly 150.

The additions mean goods wholly or partially made by these firms will be restricted from entering the United States.

Through the action, "we again demonstrate our relentless fight against the cruelty of forced labor, our unwavering commitment to basic human rights, and our tireless defense of a free, fair, and competitive market," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

The department added that this was the "largest single expansion of the list."

The entities added include companies mining and processing critical minerals from Xinjiang, where Beijing has been accused of incarcerating over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention facilities.

Chinese officials strongly deny these claims.

The additions also include companies growing Xinjiang cotton and manufacturing textiles for global export, alongside those producing inputs for solar modules using polysilicon made in the region.

The companies affected include Zijin Mining Group and its subsidiaries in Xinjiang, alongside Huafu Fashion and 25 of its subsidiaries.

The Department of Homeland Security noted that entities added have been "linked to forced labor practices."

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act was signed into law in 2021.