US Imposes Import Restrictions on Chinese Solar Power Materials... Urges Allies to Join Pressure (Update)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. government has taken measures to regulate the import of polysilicon, a material for solar panels produced in Xinjiang, China. The U.S. Department of State mentioned that it will respond to China’s crimes against humanity in cooperation with allied countries, which is expected to have an impact on South Korea as well.

On the 24th (local time), the White House announced that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on polysilicon produced by Hoshine Silicon and its subsidiaries.

The White House explained that this measure is based on reasonable information linking Hoshine Silicon to forced labor.

Accordingly, polysilicon-related products produced by Hoshine Silicon will be immediately detained at U.S. ports and can only be imported into the U.S. if it is proven that they are not associated with forced labor.

The White House added that the CBP will continue further investigations into whether forced labor has been used in the production of polysilicon in Xinjiang and other regions.

This measure was announced a day after the Department of Commerce placed five Chinese companies, including Hoshine Silicon and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), on the U.S. export restriction list known as the “blacklist.” The Department of Labor also added polysilicon to the list of goods produced by child labor and forced labor.

The White House emphasized that this action places a burden on the Chinese government regarding cruel and inhumane forced labor practices and demonstrates its determination to ensure that the Chinese government follows fair trade rules based on regulations.

The White House claimed that the forced labor led by the Chinese government in Xinjiang is an insult to human dignity and an example of the unfair economic practices of the Chinese Communist Party.

This is because products produced by forced labor distort price structures, giving them an advantage in competition with U.S. companies.

The White House also stated that it will actively support the domestic solar industry to prevent the polysilicon import regulations from affecting eco-friendly energy policies.

The Department of State called for the participation of allied and partner countries regarding this measure. The Department of State emphasized, “We will work with partners and allies to hold the Chinese government accountable for forced labor and crimes against humanity against ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.