Three more Chinese companies, including shrimp producer Shandong Meijia Group, have been banned from exporting their products to the United States. This decision, driven by allegations of using Uyghur forced labor, brings the total number of blacklisted firms to 68. The bans were enforced under the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Shandong Meijia Group, a significant player in the shrimp industry, has been implicated in participating in “labor transfer programs” operated by Chinese authorities in Xinjiang. These programs, described by the United States as systems of forced labor, allegedly involve transferring persecuted groups, including Uyghurs, to work in factories outside of Xinjiang. Beijing, however, maintains that these programs are voluntary poverty alleviation efforts.

U.S. Response and Industry Implications

Under Secretary of Homeland Security Robert Silvers emphasized the U.S. stance against forced labor, stating, “We have shown again through today’s enforcement actions that the United States is taking concrete steps to keep goods made with forced labor out of U.S. supply chains.” He urged American companies to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure their products do not involve forced labor.

The decision to blacklist Shandong Meijia Group received support from U.S. industry groups. John Williams, executive director of the Florida-based Southern Shrimp Alliance, praised the enforcement action, stating, “Argentinian red shrimp packed by Uyghurs in Chinese seafood processing plants should not be competing with wholesome products in American grocery stores.” Williams emphasized that ethical and legal obligations should not be sacrificed for lower costs.

Beijing’s Rebuttal

In response to the allegations, Beijing has consistently denied claims of forced labor involving Uyghurs. The Chinese government argues that the United States uses these accusations as a pretext for protectionist trade policies.