China has initiated an investigation into the parent company of Calvin Klein, PVH Corp, for allegedly boycotting cotton sourced from the Xinjiang region. This inquiry comes amid heightened scrutiny over human rights practices in Xinjiang, where concerns about forced labor have led several Western brands to distance themselves from cotton produced in the area.
The move signals China’s growing sensitivity to any perceived foreign interference in its domestic markets, particularly regarding its treatment of ethnic minorities. PVH Corp, which also owns other popular brands, has previously faced criticism for its stance on Xinjiang cotton.
As the investigation unfolds, it could have significant implications for the company’s operations in China, one of its largest markets, and raise questions about how global brands navigate the complexities of sourcing materials responsibly while maintaining access to the Chinese market.