The United States has banned imports of copper from Serbian Zijin Copper, citing concerns over alleged forced labor practices. Zijin, a major copper producer in Serbia, stated it is taking the ban seriously and is conducting a human rights assessment in response. The US Department of Homeland Security issued the order, alleging the use of forced labor in Zijin’s operations. The company maintains its commitment to ethical and legal business practices, but the ban represents a significant disruption to its export market. Further details regarding the specific allegations and the scope of the assessment have not yet been released. The move reflects increasing US scrutiny of supply chains for potential human rights violations. This ban could potentially impact Serbia’s economy, given Zijin’s substantial investment in the country’s mining sector.
