Duval Times

In an effort to curb what they view as China's unfair and unethical practices in the seafood and aquaculture industry, Senators Rick Scott, Tom Cotton, and Cindy Hyde-Smith have introduced the Ban China's Forbidden Operations in the Oceanic Domain (C-FOOD) Act. This legislation aims to halt imports of Chinese seafood and aquaculture products, sanction companies that import Chinese seafood, and impose tariffs on countries that facilitate the shipment of these goods.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the need to hold China accountable for its use of slave labor and other illegal practices, stating, "Communist China, under Xi’s murderous regime, is on a quest for global domination, building economic power in industries like seafood and aquaculture that are known to use slave labor and other illegal, unreported, and unregulated practices that are pushing American businesses out of business in the process." He expressed his pride in joining his colleagues on this legislation to ban the importation of these goods from China and to hold any nation attempting to circumvent U.S. trade laws fully accountable.

Senator Tom Cotton highlighted how the Chinese Communist Party is weaponizing the fishing and aquaculture industry for their own gain, through abuse and slave labor. He emphasized that the C-FOOD Act would impose real costs on the Chinese government and companies that aid them by stopping imports of illicit seafood.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith expressed her support for the legislation, emphasizing the need to hold China accountable for its violation of sovereign waters and its use of slave labor. She stated, "It’s past time we hold China accountable for its persistent violation of sovereign waters and its shameless use of slave labor to dominate the aquaculture market with unsafe, chemical-ridden products."

The Ban C-FOOD Act includes provisions such as prohibiting all Chinese seafood and aquaculture imports from entering the United States until conditions are met regarding forced labor, subsidies, and the potential use of the Chinese fishing fleet in an invasion of Taiwan. The Act also instructs the Secretary of Treasury to sanction companies involved in the transshipment of Chinese seafood, and the U.S. Trade Representative to apply necessary duties to prevent and punish nations that facilitate the transshipment.

Additionally, the President is required to produce a report within 90 days detailing efforts and spending allocated to combat China's illegal fishing and use of forced labor in its fishing fleets and aquaculture industry. This report will also include requests for additional funding, resources, and authorities to address the various abuses of the Chinese fishing fleets.

The introduction of the Ban China's Forbidden Operations in the Oceanic Domain (C-FOOD) Act reflects growing concerns among U.S. lawmakers about China's practices in the seafood and aquaculture industry. By imposing sanctions and tariffs, the legislation aims to protect American businesses and hold China accountable for its actions.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sens-rick-scott-cotton-introduce-legislation-to-ban-chinese-seafood-imports