In 2021, multiple Western countries imposed sanctions on China after concern was raised over human right abuses of minority groups in Xinjiang.

Beijing says it’s investigating fashion retailer PVH Corp, the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, for refusing to source cotton from the Xinjiang region, in a move that could lead to sanctions on an American company with major business interests in China.

China said it will investigate US apparel maker PVH Corp. for suspected boycotting of cotton sourced from its Xinjiang region, a probe that could lead to punishment for the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.

Beijing said it is investigating PVH, the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, setting up a potential block on the American apparel firm’s sales in China just as the U.S. introduces measures to limit Chinese access to its own market.

Beijing says it suspects US brands are discriminating against Chinese cotton after allegations of forced labour.

The ministry said that the firm is "unjustly boycotting" Xinjiang products "without a factual basis." China's commerce ministry said it will investigate PVH, the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger,