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Illumina looking for ‘positive resolution’ after being listed as an ‘unreliable entity’ by China




Illumina, the global DNA sequencing company with its EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) head office on Granta Park, says its goal is “finding a positive resolution” after it was caught up in the global trade drama being played out by the US and China.

The Chinese government listed Illumina, whose global headquarters is in California, as an “unreliable entity” shortly after the Trump administration applied a 10 per cent additional tariff on imports from China.

Illumina’s 21st anniversary was held at the new EMEA HQ on Granta Park in Great Abington. Picture: Keith Heppell.
Illumina’s 21st anniversary was held at the new EMEA HQ on Granta Park in Great Abington. Picture: Keith Heppell.

China's Commerce Ministry was reported by Reuters in Hong King today (4 February) as having put PVH Corp (clothing brand which markets Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein) and Illumina on its unreliable entity list after the two companies took what it alleged were "discriminatory measures against Chinese enterprises" and "damaged" legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

The listing impacted Illumina’s shares, which slipped 6 per cent to $123.13, while PVH's stock dropped 1 per cent to $82.49. It becomes the first life sciences company to become embroiled in what the Wall Street Journal has called “the dumbest trade war in history”. Unlike Mexico and Canada, which have staved off 25 per cent tariffs (for now), China made no attempt to negotiate, it simply retaliated.

Celebrating Illumina’s 21st anniversary at the new EMEA HQ on Granta Park in Great Abington. Picture: Keith Heppell.
Celebrating Illumina’s 21st anniversary at the new EMEA HQ on Granta Park in Great Abington. Picture: Keith Heppell.

A statement issued to the Cambridge Independent by Illumina said: ”Illumina has a long-standing presence in China, where we serve the local market through our advances in genomics that help improve human health.

“Wherever Illumina operates, we comply with all laws and regulations.

“We are assessing this announcement with the goal of finding a positive resolution. In the meantime, we are committed to continuing to serve global health.”

HRH The Princess Royal at Illumina for World DNA Day
HRH The Princess Royal at Illumina for World DNA Day

Illumina’s sequencing and array technologies drive advances in life science research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular diagnostics. Incorporated in 1998, the company employs 9,250 people, of whom 65 per cent are based at its San Diego HQ.

The company celebrated its 21st anniversary at Granta Park in 2019, and last year welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to the 170,000sq ft site.



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