Companies Seek to Weaken Bill on Forced Labor in Xinjiang

American corporations recently sought to weaken a bill that would prohibit imported goods made from forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. In Xinjiang, many raw materials used in forced labor are produced, including cotton, coal, sugar, tomatoes, and others, according to the New York Times. Foods such as textiles, cotton, electronics, food products, shoes, tea, and handicrafts are suspected of being made by Uyghurs subjected to forced labor, according to the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act will prohibit imports from Xinjiang and will impose sanctions on those who are responsible for the human rights violation. The Labor Act would also bar imports made partially or fully in Xinjiang. This has been the target of many companies arguing that they condemn forced labor, but this bill disrupts the supply chain that is deeply ingrained into China.

According to the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the companies suspected of using forced labor are Adidas, Calvin-Klein, Coca-Cola, Costco, Campbell Soup Company, Nike, Patagonia, and others. Nike has told the New York Times that it “did not lobby against” the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act but has had “constructive discussions” with congressional aides eliminating forced labor and human rights violations. Coca-Cola has also said that it “strictly prohibits any type of forced labor in [their] supply chain”. Human rights groups have linked multiple, multinational corporations to suppliers in Xinjiang, including Coca-Cola sourcing sugar from the region.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has stated that Nike and Apple are two of 82 companies that may have indirectly or directly benefited from the forced labor in Xinjiang. Although Apple was not accused of using forced labor in Xinjiang, it has extensive ties to China and lobbied to limit provisions in the bill. Business Insider states that the bill will force companies with major supply chains in China to change how and where to manufacture their products.

Because Xinjiang is a region where China tightly restricts people’s movement, it will be difficult for companies to monitor supply chains and eliminate forced labor. Because of the tight restrictions, it is very hard to monitor the working conditions independently. 

The bill was first introduced on March 11, sponsored by Rep. McGovern (D-MA). The bill was passed in the House with bipartisan support, resulting in a winning margin of 406-3.