Major Brands Linked to Uyghur Forced Labor in EU Market

New report reveals a significant volume of clothing entering the EU is likely sourced from forced labor, with brands like Zara and H&M at high risk.

A new report suggests a 'substantial volume' of clothing entering the European Union is likely linked to Uyghur forced labor, with major brands like Zara and H&M identified as being at 'high risk' of sourcing material from forced labor.
The report was conducted by Uyghur Rights Monitor, Sheffield Hallam University, and the Uyghur Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.
The report alleges that these brands are connected with four major Chinese companies linked to state programs that mandate labor for Uyghurs detained in internment camps.
Unlike the U.S., which has the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act preventing goods linked to forced labor from being imported, the European Union has no such legislation.
China continues to invest heavily in Xinjiang trade infrastructure despite worldwide condemnation of forced labor, with Xinjiang's foreign trade hitting a record high of $40.5 billion within the first 10 months of this year.