STORY: Brazil has placed China's BYD on a list of employers who have subjected workers to conditions similar to slavery.
This comes after a 2024 scandal where Chinese workers were said to have been victims of human trafficking and abusive contracts.
Jinjiang Group, the contractor that BYD used to hire the workers cited in the scandal, has denied the claims.
BYD has previously said it had no knowledge of any violations until local media reported the scandal.
Still, Brazilian officials argue that the automaker should be responsible for its workers conditions.
Being on the list carries further reputational risk for BYD in its biggest market after China.
It also bars the company from obtaining some loans from Brazilian banks, but does not affect the operation of its local auto plant.
Companies can avoid being included in the list by signing a deal with the government committing to change their practices and compensate affected workers.
Firms are only added to the list after all possibilities of appeal are exhausted at the government level.
After a company is added, it stays on the list for two years, barring a court decision to remove it.
BYD did not reply to a request for comment.
