The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take stronger action in enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) to address severe disruptions in the US apparel manufacturing industry. The NCTO, joined by the Coalition for a Prosperous America and Alliance for American Manufacturing, supports the House China Select Committee’s call for DHS to combat unfair trade practices that facilitate importing products manufactured using forced labour.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas emphasised the issue: “Chinese cotton from Xinjiang is flooding the global marketplace, making its way to our doorsteps and into our closets.” Glas urged the administration and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to implement a comprehensive and aggressive solution to confront these practices head-on.
Glas further emphasised the need to address fraudulent origin claims and the “gaping de minimis loophole facilitating millions of illegal and dangerous products” entering the US market daily. Expressing concern for the impact on the strategic supply chain, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and products for the US military, Glas called for immediate action to safeguard American manufacturers and workers.
The NCTO’s plea for intensified enforcement of the UFLPA highlights the urgent need to eliminate forced labour practices and protect American manufacturing from unfair competition.
