Philippines says US will address concerns over garment exports held up on suspicion of forced labor

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo speaks to U.S. and Philippine business groups at Makati city, Philippines on Tuesday March 12, 2024. The United States is constantly assessing the need to expand export controls to stop China from acquiring advanced computer chips and manufacturing equipment that could be used to boost its military, Raimondo said Monday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) MANILA - The U.S. commerce secretary has committed to address concerns by the Philippines after American authorities held up shipments of garments on suspicion that cotton was produced by forced labor in China's Xinjiang region, Philippine officials said Tuesday. Philippine Trade Secretary…