Apple imported clothes from Chinese company facing US forced labour sanctions: Report
A man looks at the screen of his mobile phone in front of an Apple logo outside its store in Shanghai, China July 30, 2017. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files
US tech giant Apple has reportedly imported clothes -- uniform for staff in stores -- from a company facing US sanctions over forced labourin China’s western Xinjiang region, The Guardian report said quoting shipping records.
According to the report, an Apple spokesman said that the company is not sourcing cotton from Xinjiang, but declined to comment on whether they had done so in the past.
The US government in July imposed sanctions on Changji Esquel Textile, a unit of the Hong Kong garment group Esquel, along with 10 other Chinese companies for alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, including forced labour.
The sanctions bar the companies from buying US technology and other goods.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
No connection between Jantar Mantar protesters and Pakistan-based ISI terror module, Punjab Police clarify
)
'Massive attack coming... wait, never mind': Iran mocks US 'theatre diplomacy,' rejects Trump's claim of Hormuz progress
)
Reels vs Results: Why political messaging alone won't win over India's young voters
)
Major relief for TN CM Vijay as wife Sangeetha withdraws infidelity and divorce petition
)
France offers deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with 94 to be made in India
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
)
Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Explained | Can India reach WTC final with a series win in Sri Lanka?
)
'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia
)
Primetime trailer: Robert Pattinson channels Chris Hansen in A24's dark crime thriller
)
Zendaya and Tom Holland celebrate their marriage with private reception in England
)
Vishal Bhardwaj to develop film on Tarun Tejpal case after latest court verdict: Report
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 operate in the desert?
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
Thailand teen killed grandparents before shooting teachers at school – What we know about suspect
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
)
NZ female politician joins meeting from bathroom with underwear hanging - 'You can see my washing, you can see me'
)
‘We are ready to talk’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reaches out to protesting students
)
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Bluefly: Priyanka Chopra joins Russell Crowe for new sci-fi action thriller
)
'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances
)
Born in the USA? Trump targets 'birth tourism' with new birthright citizenship executive order
)
Michael 2 plans revealed: Makers to start filming soon with THIS release window
)
OpenAI reportedly building donut-shaped ChatGPT smart speaker for homes
)
‘Certain munitions are unlimited, others...’: Did Trump admit some US weapons supplies were limited?
)
At least 4 killed 15 injured in shooting at school near Bangkok
)
US may force more visa applicants to make social media accounts public under Trump's new plan
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built
However, Esquel has denied allegations. “We absolutely have not, do not, and will never use forced labour anywhere in our company,” it said in a statement.
According to the report, amonth before the sanctions were announced, Esquel had sent a shipment of women’s cotton and elastane knit shirts to “Apple Retail stores” in California, the database run by the global shipping information provider Panjiva showed. Those records were identified by the Tech Transparency Project.
Esquel supplies many major US clothing companies including Patagonia, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger. But Apple’s relationship with the firm has not received much public scrutiny, even though it stretches back years.