Archive · 19 Dec 2025
US Halts Chinese Tires from Serbia Over Forced Labor
The United States has stopped importing tires made by a Chinese company in Serbia because of reports that workers are being treated badly.
The US says workers have their papers taken, are forced to work too much, and aren't paid properly.
The factory, which opened in 2024, is a big investment in Serbia.
Some workers from Vietnam and India have complained about these problems, but the Serbian government and the company say they are not responsible.
The US wants to make sure no products made with forced labor enter the country.
US CBP issued a withhold release order against Linglong Tire's Serbian-made tires due to forced labor allegations.
Allegations include document retention, intimidation, excessive overtime, and wage withholding.
Linglong's Serbian plant, opened in 2024, is a billion-dollar investment employing over 1,200 workers.
Serbian government and Linglong deny responsibility, blaming subcontractors for worker conditions.
US importers can re-export, destroy, or prove goods were not made with forced labor to release shipments.
- Who
- US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Linglong Tire, Serbian government, Vietnamese and Indian workers
- What
- US suspension of imports of Chinese-made tires from Serbia due to forced labor allegations
- When
- Order issued late Thursday, factory opened September 2024, allegations since 2021
- Where
- Zrenjanin, Serbia; US ports
- Why
- Allegations of forced labor practices including document retention, intimidation, and wage withholding
- Company
- Linglong Tire
- Location
- Zrenjanin, Serbia
- Allegations
- Forced labor, document retention, wage withholding
- US Action
- Withhold release order
- Serbian Response
- Denied allegations, blamed subcontractors
- Investment Size
- Billion-dollar plant
- Workers
- 1,200+ employees, 600 more planned
- Export Goal
- 500 million euros in 2025