economy

January 13, 2026

Workers at Chinese factory that produces Labubu toys are being exploited, says NGO

Exclusive: China Labor Watch says people aged 16-18 employed without required special protections

Workers at Chinese factory that produces Labubu toys are being exploited, says NGO

TL;DR

  • A labor rights NGO, China Labor Watch (CLW), found evidence of worker exploitation at a supplier for Pop Mart's Labubu toys.
  • The investigation at Shunjia Toys in Jiangxi province revealed workers were forced to sign blank contracts.
  • Underage workers (16-17 years old) were employed without required special protections and assigned to standard assembly line positions.
  • Workers faced unrealistic production targets and regularly exceeded the legal monthly overtime limit.
  • Pop Mart stated they are investigating the allegations and will strengthen supply chain oversight if findings are substantiated.
  • The conditions reflect broader issues in China's manufacturing sector, with challenges for companies expanding internationally to meet higher labor standards.

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