U.S. Blocks Aluminum Imports from Kingtom Aluminio Over Forced Labor Concerns
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L., a Chinese-owned entity in the Dominican Republic, based on evidence suggesting the use of forced labor in the production of its aluminum extrusion and profile products. Effective immediately, CBP personnel at all U.S. ports of entry will seize any such products manufactured by Kingtom Aluminio.
The decision follows an investigation by CBP, which identified several forced labor indicators at Kingtom Aluminio, including abuse of vulnerability, intimidation and threats, deception, withholding of wages, physical and sexual violence, restriction of movement, and excessive overtime. Aluminum extrusions and profiles produced by the company are widely used in transportation, construction, furniture, and electronics.
CBP Senior Official Troy A. Miller emphasized that trading goods manufactured at the expense of human health, safety, and freedom is fundamentally against American values. "With this action, we are sending a message to those entities that continue to attempt to circumvent U.S. trade laws—your goods are not welcome in the United States," said AnnMarie R. Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP's Office of Trade.
This finding against Kingtom Aluminio is part of CBP's broader efforts to combat forced labor and human rights abuses worldwide. CBP currently oversees 51 withhold release orders and nine findings under U.S. trade law aimed at preventing the importation of goods made with forced labor.
The International Labour Organization estimates that nearly 28 million workers worldwide are subjected to forced labor, exposing vulnerable populations to unsafe and inhumane conditions. The use of forced labor not only affects the health and freedom of workers but also puts American businesses at a disadvantage, as law-abiding companies cannot compete with goods produced under exploitative conditions.
Under U.S. law, the importation of goods made using convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor is strictly prohibited. When CBP finds reasonable evidence of forced labor, it orders personnel at U.S. ports to seize shipments of those goods. Unless importers can demonstrate the products are admissible, they face seizure and forfeiture.
