adminShein Lawyer Under Fire Over Chinese Cotton Questions
A senior lawyer for Shein, the fast-fashion giant, faced sharp criticism from UK MPs after repeatedly refusing to confirm whether the company uses cotton sourced from China. The refusal prompted accusations of “wilful ignorance” and left some members of the Business and Trade Committee branding the lawyer’s responses as “ridiculous.”
Yinan Zhu, Shein’s general counsel, acknowledged that the company’s suppliers manufacture products in China but declined to specify whether the cotton used comes from the Xinjiang region, which has faced allegations of forced labour and human rights abuses. The region is a significant global supplier of cotton, but scrutiny has intensified due to reports of forced labour involving the Uighur Muslim minority.
A Heated Exchange
MPs repeatedly pressed Ms. Zhu during the hearing on Tuesday, demanding clarity on Shein’s supply chain practices. Ms. Zhu deflected questions, requesting permission to respond in writing at a later date. She reiterated that Shein does not own factories but relies on a network of suppliers, primarily in China, as well as in Turkey and Brazil.
Ms. Zhu stated that Shein requires its suppliers to adhere to stringent standards and undergo thousands of audits by third-party agencies. However, when asked directly if Shein prohibits its suppliers from using Xinjiang cotton, she said she would need to confirm and follow up in writing.
Allegations of Forced Labour
Xinjiang cotton has been at the center of global controversy since research published in 2020 suggested that up to 500,000 people were subjected to forced labour in the region. Beijing has denied any human rights abuses. The allegations have prompted major fashion brands such as H&M, Nike, and Burberry to cut ties with Xinjiang cotton, sparking consumer boycotts and political backlash in China.
Shein, which started in China in 2008 and is now headquartered in Singapore, has grown rapidly into a global fast-fashion leader, shipping to over 150 countries. Despite its success, the company has faced mounting criticism over its environmental impact, labour practices, and alleged use of forced labour in its supply chain. Shein has denied these allegations, insisting that it complies with local laws and regulations wherever it operates.
Industry Scrutiny Continues
The refusal to address questions about Chinese cotton has heightened concerns over transparency in Shein’s supply chain. MPs on the committee criticized Ms. Zhu’s lack of direct answers, with one labeling her responses as indicative of a company unwilling to face uncomfortable truths.
As public pressure grows for ethical sourcing and accountability, Shein’s lack of transparency could further fuel skepticism around its business practices. The company has yet to confirm when it will respond to the committee’s questions in writing.
For now, questions remain about whether Shein’s rapid expansion has come at the expense of ethical standards, a challenge the company will need to address amid increasing global scrutiny.
