Brazil Halts BYD Factory Construction Over 'Slavery-Like' Worker Conditions

Authorities rescued 163 Chinese workers from degrading conditions at a construction site for BYD's first EV factory outside Asia.

Brazilian labor prosecutors found 163 Chinese workers in conditions described as 'slavery-like,' including withheld passports and wages, at a BYD factory site in Bahia state.
Workers endured overcrowded accommodations with insufficient bathrooms, unsanitary kitchens, and beds without mattresses, while laboring excessive hours in unsafe conditions.
The contractor responsible, Jinjiang Construction Brazil, allegedly retained 60% of workers' wages and charged high penalties for contract termination, effectively enforcing debt bondage.
BYD has terminated its contract with Jinjiang Construction Brazil, relocated the workers to hotels, and pledged compliance with Brazilian labor laws while cooperating with authorities.
The factory, originally set to begin operations in March 2025, was to be BYD's largest EV production site outside Asia, highlighting Brazil as a key market for the Chinese automaker.