China on Tuesday announced a ban on the import of genetic sequencers from U.S. medical equipment maker Illumina, just minutes after President Donald Trump's additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods took effect.
The ban, which will come into force on March 4, is part of a series of retaliatory measures implemented by Beijing in response to the new U.S. tariffs.
According to a statement by China’s commerce ministry, the ban follows the placement of Illumina on the “unreliable entity” list in February. The ministry cited that Illumina had suspended normal transactions with Chinese enterprises and taken discriminatory measures against them. Genetic sequencers are essential for determining DNA or RNA sequences, aiding scientists in studying genetic variations linked to diseases and diagnosing rare conditions. China accounts for about 7% of Illumina’s global sales.
Responding to inquiries, Illumina stated that it would continue to serve its customers in China and remain committed to operating in compliance with the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Commerce. The company is currently assessing the impact of the ban on its operations in the region.
The measure targets Illumina as part of a broader crackdown on U.S. firms, though Beijing has so far refrained from imposing restrictions on major U.S. household names. Analysts note that the move could bolster domestic competition, as shares in local rivals such as BGI Genomics and MGI Tech saw significant gains, with estimates suggesting a potential business opportunity of 750 million yuan ($103 million) for MGI Tech this year.
This development is one of several steps taken by China in its escalating trade dispute with the United States, following previous actions such as tariffs on $21 billion worth of American agricultural and food products and restrictions on other U.S. companies deemed unreliable.
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Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 13 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Every June, roughly 13 million young people in China sit down at the same time to take the same test. They have been preparing for it, in many cases, since primary school. Their families have rearranged their lives around it.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
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The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 14 June about efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, as world leaders prepare to gather for the G7 summit in France.
All 12 people on board a plane that crashed near Butler Memorial Airport in the U.S. state of Missouri have died, according to local authorities.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Geneva on Sunday, 14 June ahead of this week's G7 summit in neighbouring France, but a largely peaceful demonstration later descended into clashes with police.
Veteran U.S. politician Mitch McConnell has been admitted to hospital in Washington, DC, according to his office.
British anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson said he was detained by police at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, 13 June and had his mobile phone seized, days after posting extensively online about racist and anti-immigrant unrest in Northern Ireland.
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