Rights group alleges major automakers are using Chinese aluminum made with Uyghur forced labor

The report highlights the failure of some of the world’s largest car manufacturers to ensure that their China supply chains are free of forced labor. This issue is linked to aluminum production in the Xinjiang region, where Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities are allegedly forced to work in factories. The report raised concerns about the difficulty of tracking the origins of aluminum, as well as the risk of ideological indoctrination and limited freedom of movement faced by workers in the region. With the automotive industry relying heavily on aluminum, this issue poses significant challenges for car manufacturers.

The United States has implemented requirements for importers to prove that goods produced in Xinjiang are not made with forced labor. However, tracking the origins of aluminum and ensuring that it’s not linked to forced labor remains a challenge for car manufacturers. This issue is particularly important considering China’s position as the world’s largest car exporter and the leading manufacturer of battery-powered electric cars. The automotive industry’s growing demand for aluminum, especially due to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, underscores the urgency of addressing forced labor concerns in the supply chain.

The report also suggests that foreign carmakers may be operating under laxer controls related to their China operations, which can increase the risk of forced labor in their supply chains. This is partly due to the fact that most foreign carmakers in China operate as joint ventures with Chinese firms, which face government restrictions in key sectors.

In response to the report, automakers such as Toyota, Volkswagen, and Tesla have expressed commitments to human rights and the prevention of forced labor in their supply chains. However, the challenges of tracking the origins of aluminum and ensuring responsible sourcing remain significant. It’s crucial for the automotive industry to take proactive steps to address these challenges and ensure ethical and transparent sourcing practices. The development of effective risk management systems, stringent due diligence, and direct commissioning of suppliers are among the strategies that can help mitigate the risks associated with forced labor in the supply chain.

As the automotive industry continues to expand, particularly in electric vehicle production, addressing forced labor concerns in the supply chain will become increasingly important. Collaboration among car manufacturers, industry groups, and regulatory authorities will be essential to establish and enforce ethical standards for sourcing raw materials, particularly aluminum, and to protect human rights in the automotive supply chain.