By Arriana McLymore

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Republican attorneys common from 16 U.S. states requested the Securities and Change Fee to audit China-founded fast-fashion retailer Shein’s provide chain for using pressured labor forward of its potential preliminary public providing.

Amid rising friction between Washington and Beijing, the letter, despatched to the SEC final week, added to strain on Shein as China hawks in Congress goal Chinese language corporations that don’t align with U.S. international coverage objectives.

Shein, which sells $7 attire and $5 dwelling items in additional than 150 nations, has moved its headquarters to Singapore however manufactures most of its merchandise in China.

The letter urged the SEC to make sure that Shein and different international corporations listed on U.S. exchanges confirm by means of impartial audits that they adjust to U.S. legal guidelines that prohibit imports made with any pressured labor.

Shein has beforehand stated it doesn’t plan to IPO this yr and has zero tolerance for pressured labor. Shein was not instantly obtainable to touch upon the letter or its IPO plans.

Reuters reported in July that Shein was working with not less than three funding banks on a possible U.S. preliminary public providing and had been in talks with the New York Inventory Change and Nasdaq, citing individuals acquainted with the matter.

Shein has been capable of quickly increase within the U.S. regardless of considerations over its labor practices and sustainability. To hurry deliveries and meet rising U.S. demand, Shein in 2022 opened a warehouse in Indiana. It expanded by 302,000 sq. toes or 20% this month to almost 1.8 million sq. toes, in response to a supply acquainted with the matter.

Indiana State Legal professional Common Todd Rokita, a Republican, didn’t signal the letter.

In Could, two dozen U.S. representatives despatched an analogous letter to the SEC asking for it to halt a possible Shein IPO till the corporate confirmed that it doesn’t use pressured labor.