US considers adding Shein and Temu to forced labour list

Chinese retailers Shein and Temu deny allegations as the US weighs placing them on a forced labour list.
Shein and Temu could be added to the US forced labour list amid trade tensions with China.

US authorities are considering whether to add Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu to the Department of Homeland Security’s forced labour list, according to a Semafor report. The Trump administration has not reached a final decision and may opt against the move, sources said.

Both companies strongly denied any involvement in forced labour. Shein stated it complies fully with the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, while Temu emphasised its strict prohibition of involuntary labour through its Third-Party Code of Conduct.

Discussions on the retailers’ status come as tensions between the US and China escalate. Beijing recently imposed targeted tariffs on US imports and warned companies such as Google about possible sanctions, responding to the latest trade measures introduced by Washington.