Trump may impose restrictions on large Chinese apparel marketplaces operating in the U.S.

The administration of US President Donald Trump is discussing whether to add low-cost Chinese retailers Shein and Temu to the list of organizations that use forced labor. This was reported by the Semafor publication on February 4.

It is stated that adding the two companies, which are popular in the U.S., to the list would be a significant move by the administration and would show its interest in tightening measures against consumer goods imported from China. Both sources said the White House has yet to make a final decision on the matter and may ultimately decide not to include either of them on the list.

"We are not aware of any such consideration. Moreover, a full and fair review of the facts would show that we are in full compliance with the UFLPA (Ethical Manufacturing Fairness Act. - Ed.). We have made it our priority to implement best-in-class standards. We are confident in our products and the integrity of our supply chain," commented a Shein spokesperson.

The portal recalled that the forced labor list created by Congress under the Producer Protection Act of 2021 singles out companies that allegedly use forced labor to mine, produce or manufacture goods in a Chinese region.

Semafor noted, however, that Trump has already taken action, closing a loophole this week that allowed companies to send packages worth less than $800 to avoid taxes and additional scrutiny, which is also part of Trump's additional 10 percent duties on China.

"That would be a pretty bold move", said Greta Peisch, former general counsel to the U.S. Trade Representative.

Trump imposes duties against Canada, Mexico and China. What the media say

On February 4, new duties went into effect in the US on imports from the PRC. The size of the tax is 10%. In general, lower tariffs were introduced against China than planned. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the tax will amount to 60%. Analysts believe that this shows that the US and Chinese economies are much more dependent on each other than is publicly stated, and the increase in tariffs is a blow to the US first of all on themselves. Earlier, Trump said America would "definitely" impose tariffs on the European Union (EU).

As the American president pointed out on February 1, China, Canada and Mexico will not be able to do anything at the moment to prevent the impending imposition of duties. According to him, Canada is responsible for significant amounts of drug smuggling into the US.

Later, Chinese economist Andrew Leung told Izvestia that the tariffs imposed by Trump on imports of goods from China and Mexico will lead to an increase in consumer prices in the United States itself.