US Customs and Border Protection announced a ban on palm oil imports from Malaysia-based Sime Darby last week due to concerns over forced labor. The announcement follows a months-long investigation which “reasonably indicated” that the company uses forced labor in its production processes. The ban (formally called a “Withhold Release Order”) marks the second action taken against a major Malaysian palm oil company, following a September ban on imports from FGV Holdings. Here’s the full announcement.
More context: Palm oil is the world’s most consumed vegetable oil and is used in a wide range of products including food and cosmetics. The palm oil industry has faced increasing scrutiny amid concerns over human rights violations and labor conditions.
The New Paper
This story is from the January 5, 2021 edition of The New Paper – a clear, concise daily briefing that makes fact-first news easy to consume. Try it today.
