Recent reports reveal that U.S. authorities are considering adding Chinese e-commerce leaders Shein and Temu to the Department of Homeland Security’s forced labor list. A Semafor report from Tuesday indicates that the government is reviewing this potential action. However, the Trump administration has not finalized a decision and may choose not to include either company.
Both companies deny any involvement in forced labor practices. Shein emailed Reuters, stating that it knew nothing of these discussions and reaffirming its compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). Temu also denied the allegations, emphasizing its strict policy against forced labor and enforcing a Third-Party Code of Conduct to prevent involuntary labor in its supply chain.
This development emerges amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions. Recently, China imposed targeted tariffs on U.S. imports and warned American companies, including Google, about possible sanctions. Observers widely see these measures as a response to new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. If the government adds Shein and Temu to the forced labor list, their imported goods may face restrictions, worsening the economic standoff between the two nations.
