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U.S. Bans Xinjiang Cotton Products, Tomatoes Over Forced Labor

U.S. imported $9 billion of cotton products in past year
‘Made in China’ is a ‘warning label,’ Cuccinelli says

Workers remove impurities from cotton fibers in the Xinjiang region of China. — Workers remove impurities from cotton fibers in the Xinjiang region of China.
Photographer: Chien-min Chung/Getty Images

By

Julia Fanzeres and

January 13, 2021, 5:16 PM UTCUpdated onJanuary 14, 2021, 9:51 AM UTC

The U.S. will bar entry of all cotton products and tomatoes from China’s Xinjiang region, a sweeping move that prompted protests from Beijing and fresh vows to defend its companies.

The U.S. ban is the latest in a series of actions where the U.S. is raising pressure on China over alleged ill-treatment of its ethnic Uighur Muslim minority. The U.S. says the Chinese government has detained more than 1 million Uighurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in “re-education” camps, allegations that Beijing denies.