The United States has broadened its import restrictions by adding three more Chinese companies to a sanctions list tied to forced labor concerns involving Uyghurs and other minority groups. Government officials confirm that Reuters was among the sources reporting these developments. The expanded list marks a continuation of a broader effort to scrutinize supply chains for human rights violations that affect goods entering the American market.
One of the newly sanctioned entities is COFCO Sugar Holding, which stands as the country’s largest processor of agricultural products. The move places its products under heightened scrutiny for entry into U.S. commerce, alongside the imports of two other entities that authorities identify as connected to forced labor practices in the region. The sanctions are framed as part of ongoing enforcement against egregious human rights abuses, with officials describing the situation in Xinjiang as a ongoing humanitarian crisis that impacts trade decisions and regulatory actions.
With the additions of Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group and Anhui Xinya New Materials to the list, the total number of sanctioned firms grows to 30. This ongoing roster expansion reflects a deliberate policy choice by U.S. authorities to target suppliers whose operations are allegedly tied to forced labor in Xinjiang. The policy aims to deter companies from importing goods produced under coerced labor and to encourage more transparent and ethical supply chains for American consumers and businesses alike.
Since June 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has conducted inspections on a substantial volume of shipments, totaling more than 6,000 consignments valued at over two billion dollars. These checks are conducted under the framework of the Essential Labor Security Act, a statute designed to prohibit the import of goods produced with forced labor and to require importers to demonstrate that their supply chains do not rely on such practices. The law emphasizes accountability across the entire production process, from raw materials to finished goods, and reinforces the government’s commitment to human rights in global trade.
The broader context involves previous actions that restricted the flow of semiconductors and related components from other Chinese suppliers, reflecting a multi-year pattern of trade controls rooted in national security and ethical considerations. Officials have also indicated a stance against providing products or technologies that could be used to develop nuclear weapons, underscoring a consistent policy framework that links trade with nonproliferation and international stability.