U.S. Expands Uyghur Forced Labor Blacklist, Adding 43 Chinese Companies

On July 31, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that 43 additional Chinese firms were placed on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. DHS called the move the “single largest-ever expansion” of the list, blocking the import of any goods produced wholly or partly by the newly listed entities. The additions raise the total to 187 entities.

DHS blocks 43 Chinese companies from conducting business in the United States in historic move

The UFLPA, enacted in December 2021, creates a legal presumption that goods from Xinjiang are made with forced labor unless importers can prove otherwise. Under the Biden administration the blacklist grew to more than 140 entities, with 29 added in late 2024 and 37 in early 2025. This July action is the first update to the list under President Donald Trump.

Politico

• List growth: 144 -> 187 entities (?30 % increase).

The Independent

• Sectors affected: aluminum, apparel, copper, cotton, food, pharmaceuticals, metals, lithium production, and capacitor manufacturing. Notable firms include Hunan Aihua Group (capacitors), Chacha Food Co (snack foods), Xinjiang Tianhongji Technology (battery materials), and Tianshan Aluminum Group.

The Independent

• Customs activity: Since the list’s inception, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has stopped more than 24,300 shipments tied to alleged forced labor, valued at nearly $1 billion.

Politico

• Recent trend: The value of detained goods fell from $1.76 billion in fiscal 2024 to $166 million in fiscal 2025, while monthly shipment detentions dropped from an average of 1,039 (2024) to 788 (early 2026).

Politico

• Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin said the action protects “U.S. citizens from unfair competition” and defends “human dignity.”

New Tang Dynasty

• Chinese government: On August 1, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the move as “unjustified.”

Global Times

• Diplomatic context: A video call on July 30, 2026 between Chinese and U.S. trade officials was described by Chinese media as “constructive,” yet the blacklist was announced the next day.

China condemns US sanctions on firms added to 'Uyghur forced labor list'

• Value vs. volume: Reuters cites nearly $1 billion in stopped shipments, while Politico reports a sharp drop in the *value* of goods detained—from $1.76 billion to $166 million—suggesting differing metrics for enforcement impact.

Politico

• Enforcement intent: A senior administration official (July 23, 2026) claimed lower detention numbers reflect “stronger deterrence” and cleaner supply chains, whereas former officials argue the decline stems from reduced staffing and diplomatic caution. Independent verification is lacking.

Politico

• “The newly listed entities are connected to the production and sale of goods made in Xinjiang or with the forced labour of Uygurs and other groups specified in the UFLPA,” — State Department

South China Morning Post