Washington — A federal trade‑policy controversy has resurfaced, this time drawing the attention of Oregon Senator Ron Wyden. The senator sent a formal request to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seeking internal records that explain why the agency lifted a 2022 import ban on sugar and related products from the Dominican Republic’s Central Romana Corporation.
Background of the ban
In 2022, CBP barred imports of sugar, molasses and other commodities produced by Central Romana after the agency concluded that the company was isolating workers, withholding wages and maintaining abusive living conditions on its sugarcane plantations. The ban was intended to keep products made with forced labor out of the U.S. supply chain.
Reversal under the previous administration
Last year, the Trump administration reversed the prohibition, allowing Central Romana’s goods to re‑enter the American market. The decision sparked criticism from labor advocates who argued that the reversal ignored the agency’s own findings and opened the door for products tainted by forced labor to reach U.S. consumers.
New watchdog report reignites concerns
Corporate Accountability Lab, a nonprofit that monitors corporate labor practices, released a report on Tuesday after more than three years of investigation. The study asserts that forced labor remains prevalent on the Dominican sugarcane fields that supply Central Romana, despite the lifted ban.
Senator Wyden’s response
Senator Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, wrote to CBP on Thursday demanding a full set of administrative records, final recommendations and any other documents related to the ban’s reversal. In his letter, Wyden accused the agency of “abruptly abandoning its own established administrative procedures.” He warned that “circumventing standard trade enforcement processes for politically connected, billionaire‑owned corporations undermines the integrity of U.S. trade policy.”
CBP’s stance
The agency acknowledged receipt of the senator’s request via email but has not yet provided a substantive comment. In a statement, CBP emphasized the importance of ensuring that trade enforcement mechanisms remain free from political influence and comply with statutory requirements, noting that such safeguards are essential to prevent forced labor from entering the supply chain of goods purchased by American businesses and consumers.
Implications for U.S. consumers and businesses
If the allegations are accurate, products bearing the U.S. label could be linked to forced labor practices abroad, raising ethical and legal questions for retailers, manufacturers and shoppers. The issue also touches on broader concerns about how the federal government enforces the International Labor Organization’s standards and the U.S. Forced Labor Enforcement Act.
Next steps
Senator Wyden’s request triggers a review process that could result in additional oversight, potential policy revisions, or renewed enforcement actions against Central Romana. Advocacy groups are urging Congress to consider stronger legislative tools to protect American consumers from forced‑labor goods and to hold agencies accountable for consistent application of trade restrictions.
The story underscores the ongoing tension between trade facilitation and human‑rights protections, a balance that federal agencies must navigate while respecting constitutional principles of due process and transparent governance.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
