US blocks Serbian copper over forced labour claims

The United States has blocked copper shipments from a Chinese-owned company in Serbia over suspected use of forced labour.

US Customs and Border Protection said the order applies to copper and copper products made by Zijin Copper D.O.O. in Serbia.

The ban takes effect immediately at all US ports of entry.

CBP said an investigation found information indicating that forced labour was used in production.

It is the second US order targeting a Chinese company operating in Serbia, after a similar ban on tyres made by Linglong in Zrenjanin.

US officials said the measure was aimed at protecting workers’ rights and preventing unfair competition.