Summary

Brazilian labor authorities have accused Chinese EV producer BYD and its contractor, Jinjiang Group, of human trafficking and “slavery-like conditions” for 163 Chinese workers at a factory construction site in Bahia.

Workers reportedly faced degrading living conditions and excessive hours.

BYD and Jinjiang have agreed to house workers in hotels until contracts are resolved.

The case has sparked scrutiny in both Brazil and China, with potential impacts on China-Brazil relations and BYD’s global expansion.

BYD denies wrongdoing, blaming misunderstandings and “foreign forces” for tarnishing its image.