Vietnam Overtakes China as Largest Exporter of Goods Made With Uyghur Forced Labor
Vietnam has surpassed China as the largest exporter of goods made with Uyghur forced labor, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This comes after the U.S. implemented the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021, which bans the import of such products in response to human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minority groups in China.
According to enforcement statistics released by Customs and Border Protection, Vietnam was the top exporter of products covered by the act to the United States in 2023. Malaysia followed closely behind. The data revealed that Vietnam exported the highest value of products that were denied entry to the U.S., reaching $10.22 million in the apparel, footwear, and textiles sector. China, on the other hand, had $1.29 million of denied shipments in the same sector.
The report has raised concerns about the diversion of products made with forced labor in Xinjiang to Vietnam for re-shipment to the United States. Human Rights Watch’s Phil Robertson highlighted the need for urgent action against these transshipments and emphasized the importance of the U.S.’s partnership with Vietnam in addressing the issue.
China has been accused of exploiting neighboring countries, including Vietnam, to obfuscate the origins of its products. Rushan Abbas, founder and executive director of the Campaign for Uyghurs, stated that China uses Vietnam as a cover for its crimes.
U.S. customs officials employ various methods, including isotopic testing, to identify products made with forced labor. Vietnam’s significant cotton exports have raised concerns as cotton from Xinjiang accounts for a large portion of China’s production. Experts suggest that Vietnamese businesses need to diversify their supply chains and explore alternative sources of cotton to ensure long-term access to the U.S. market.
Experts also emphasize the need for dialogue with U.S. authorities and the guidance of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in navigating the UFLPA. They suggest that Vietnamese small- and medium-sized textile enterprises should consider importing cotton from countries like the U.S., Australia, and India.
As Vietnam and the U.S. have recently upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, there is an opportunity to address these concerns and strengthen cooperation on labor rights and supply chain transparency.
The rise of Vietnam as the largest exporter of goods made with Uyghur forced labor highlights the complexity of global supply chains and the importance of vigilance in preventing human rights abuses from being perpetuated through trade. The enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act is crucial in holding countries accountable and safeguarding human rights in the manufacturing industry.
The U.S. and other countries must continue to collaborate and take decisive action to ensure that products made with forced labor do not enter their markets, thereby sending a strong message to China and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups.
Vietnam’s role in combating forced labor and promoting ethical sourcing practices will be closely monitored, with expectations for meaningful actions to support labor rights and uphold international standards.
In conclusion, the U.S. faces the challenge of addressing the diversion of goods made with Uyghur forced labor to Vietnam, a development that underscores the need for stronger collaboration and effective enforcement of regulations. The fight against forced labor remains an ongoing struggle, requiring the collective effort of governments, business leaders, and civil society to achieve lasting change and protect the rights of all workers involved in global supply chains.
