Your Car Probably Uses Parts Made With Forced Labor: Report Says

Dan Smith MARCH 6, 2024

Recent reports of Uyghur forced labor in China and its links to components for products manufactured by major global automakers have sparked calls for an investigation. The study found that people who bought a new car in the last five years were more likely to drive cars with parts made by people forced to work in China. The research that uncovered these links was conducted by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK.

"Consumers don't want cars made through exploitation," the report notes. "However, weak enforcement of forced labor laws, combined with the government's blindness to China's environmental standards, combined with a complex supply chain, has left the auto industry dependent on abusive suppliers." Research shows that companies involved include nearly every major automotive brand.Among the brands named is Honda (HMC) - Get Free ReportFord (debt) - Get Free ReportGeneral Motors (GM) - Get Free Report,Toyota (TMs) - Get Free Report and Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report.

A published study explains how the Chinese government moved auto parts manufacturing to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. This means that international supply chains are at risk of using parts and materials created through systematic forced labor. “A six-month study conducted by Laura T. Murphy, Kendyl Salcito, Yalkun Uluyol, Mia Rabkin, and an anonymous team of researchers analyzed publicly available documents and found that Western auto brands and Uyghur abuses "From hood decals and car frames to engine casings, interiors and electronics," the Helena Kennedy Center for International Justice report said. says.

Reactions to report include Senate inquiry

The report has had ripple effects through human rights groups and individuals calling for action, particularly regarding the need for automakers to examine the stages of their supply chains. “The automotive industry cannot wait to trace its supply chain all the way back to raw materials,” conclude the researchers. “Failure to achieve full tracking poses significant legal, ethical and reputational risks.”

A Senate inquiry is reportedly underway, and people are reacting.

“U.S. Senate Finance Committee reveals supply chain details to automakers like @Tesla and @GM in light of report by @LauraTMurphy and her team on forced Uyghur labor in car manufacturing Very inspiring to see the impact the report will have!” wrote the Corporate Accountability Lab in a tweet.

“Thanks to @RonWyden and the @SenFinance committee for launching an investigation into the use of #Uyghur forced labor in the auto industry. We need to make sure it is ethically sourced," the Jew tweeted. world watch.