US bans imports from three Chinese genomics firms over forced labour

· Trade · United States · China

The US government banned imports from three Chinese genomics companies, citing ties to forced labour in Xinjiang. Washington believes BGI Group tests genetic material of people from the Xinjiang region. The move is the latest in a series of US restrictions on Chinese biotechnology and technology firms over human-rights and security concerns, adding to widening tensions over trade and supply chains.

Why it matters：The ban extends US restrictions into genomics, a sensitive field where data and human-rights concerns increasingly shape trade policy.

Key points

  • Three Chinese genomics companies were hit with import bans.
  • The US cited ties to forced labour in Xinjiang.
  • Washington believes BGI tests genetic material of people from Xinjiang.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day