U.S. bans South Korean  largest sea salt imports over forced labour 

The United States government has blocked the importation of sea salt products from Taepyung Salt Farm, South Korea’s largest salt producer, over allegations of forced labour.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued the order last Wednesday, directing officers at all ports of entry to seize any products linked to the company.

The agency said its investigation revealed that Taepyung subjected workers to abuse, wage theft, physical violence, and other forms of exploitation on salt farms located on Jeungdo Island in Sinan County.

Taepyung produces over 16,000 tonnes of salt annually, accounting for about six percent of South Korea’s total salt output. It also supplies major food companies across the country.

This marks the first time any foreign government has suspended imports from a South Korean company over labour-related violations.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the U.S. action in a statement sent to the Associated Press on Monday. The ministry said relevant agencies had taken steps since 2021 to address labour issues on the salt farms.

While failing to provide evidence, the ministry claimed that Taepyung no longer uses forced labour.

It also promised to actively engage with U.S. authorities to resolve the matter.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced plans to review urgent measures aimed at lifting the import ban.

Police uncovered the slavery scandal in Sinan in 2014, when they rescued dozens of victims — many living with disabilities who were trapped in years of abuse on salt farms.

Salt farm owners reportedly hired brokers to lure vulnerable individuals to the island.

The owners then forced them into hard labour, beat them, and locked them in rooms without pay or basic rights.

Two police officers from Seoul disguised themselves as tourists to rescue a victim after his family reported him missing.

The rescue exposed deep-rooted abuse and alleged collusion between salt farm owners and local police.

Authorities indicted several farm owners and brokers, but no police officer faced punishment, despite accusations that they ignored or enabled the abuse.

In 2019, South Korea’s Supreme Court ordered the government to compensate three men enslaved on farms in Sinan and neighbouring Wando, blaming officials for failing to protect them.

The scandal resurfaced in 2021 when officials discovered new cases of forced labour at Taepyung. Workers reported physical abuse

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