Trade Sanctions on Exports from Xinjiang 2021-04-15
2021-04-15
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions between the UK and US regarding trade sanctions and forced labour issues in Xinjiang.
What recent discussions she has had with her US counterpart on trade sanctions on exports from Xinjiang?
The Secretary of State spoke with the US trade representative, Katherine Tai, on 22 March. They discussed a number of issues, including how the United Kingdom and the United States will collaborate to address shared concerns on serious matters such as forced labour.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about trade sanctions on exports from Xinjiang were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Following the Magnitsky-style sanctions against China, there is a need for further steps to ensure that trade relations address issues of forced labour.
The Magnitsky-style sanctions against China are only the first step. While we welcome them, trade relations cannot be left out. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that UK consumers are not buying goods made with forced labour, and will the UK follow the US in banning imports of cotton from China's Xinjiang region?
We are adopting a targeted approach to this issue, to make sure that we address the violations of rights and responsibilities. We have designated individuals and entities that have been involved in such violations. This is a smart tool, carefully targeted to achieve its goals, while minimising potentially negative wider impacts. It is not designed with a view to imposing sanctions on sectors within countries, for example.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to ensure UK consumers are not buying goods made with forced labour were not detailed and no commitment was given regarding banning imports of cotton from Xinjiang as the US has done
Response accuracy