U.S. Imposes Import Ban on Salt from South Korea’s Tae-pyeong Farm Over Forced Labor Allegations

The United States has imposed a ban on salt products from South Korea’s Tae-pyeong salt farm, following allegations of forced labor. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a “withhold release order” on April 2, 2025, after determining that workers at the farm were subjected to exploitative conditions.

The Tae-pyeong salt farm, located in Jeollanam-do Sinan-gun, Jeungdo-myeon, is one of the largest salt producers in South Korea. The farm has been the center of controversy due to reports that workers, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, were forced into labor under appalling conditions.

CBP’s investigation found multiple indicators of forced labor as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), including fraud, exploitation of vulnerable workers, restrictions on freedom of movement, confiscation of identification, poor living and working conditions, threats of violence, and unpaid wages.

As a result of the findings, CBP has ordered that all solar salt products produced at the Tae-pyeong farm be withheld at all U.S. ports of entry. This is the first time South Korean products have been banned from the U.S. due to forced labor concerns.

Pete Flores, Acting Director General of CBP, highlighted the agency’s commitment to eradicating forced labor. “Combatting forced labor remains a top priority for CBP, and we will not allow products made through such practices to enter U.S. markets,” he said.