Short-read Sequencing Market - Global Forecast 2025-2030

The Short-read Sequencing Market size was estimated at USD 6.73 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 7.84 billion in 2025, at a CAGR 16.02% to reach USD 16.44 billion by 2030.

In recent years, the convergence of genomics and data analytics has propelled short-read sequencing from a niche research tool into a foundational technology driving breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. As sequencing platforms become faster, more accurate, and cost-effective, researchers and clinicians alike are empowered to unravel complex genomic landscapes with unprecedented depth and precision. This rapid evolution has not only democratized access to genomic data but has also amplified the importance of integrated workflows that span sample preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis.

The competitive landscape is more dynamic than ever. Industry incumbents are pursuing innovative chemistry upgrades, expanded flow cell configurations, and advanced software suites to differentiate their offerings and address specific end-user needs. Simultaneously, new entrants are challenging established players by focusing on niche applications, streamlined workflows, and portable devices. Consequently, stakeholders must navigate an environment where technological enhancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving customer expectations intersect.

Against this backdrop, the present executive summary offers a comprehensive exploration of the short-read sequencing market landscape. It synthesizes key technological advancements, trade and tariff developments, and strategic imperatives, equipping decision-makers with the insights necessary to chart a forward-looking course in a rapidly changing ecosystem.

The last twelve months have witnessed transformative strides in throughput, accuracy, and workflow integration that are reshaping the short-read sequencing paradigm. Platform providers have introduced single-flow-cell systems capable of generating tens of billions of bases per run, coupled with software upgrades that enhance data quality and streamline secondary analysis. For instance, the release of a NovaSeq X single-flow-cell system paired with a 1.3 software upgrade has delivered higher yields and reduced PhiX dependency, enabling more consistent results across diverse library types and bolstering confidence in multiomic applications.

Simultaneously, alternative sequencing chemistries and architectures have gained traction. Companies celebrating milestones in proprietary sequencing by synthesis methods have demonstrated sustained improvements in accuracy, cost per gigabase, and environmental sustainability through reduced reagent use. For example, a decade of DNBSEQ technology has culminated in lower duplication rates and minimal index hopping, empowering smaller laboratories to achieve production-scale performance with benchtop sequencers.

These shifts are further complemented by enhanced AI-driven base calling and integrated bioinformatics pipelines, which accelerate data interpretation and reduce manual intervention. Collectively, these technological and workflow optimizations are enabling researchers to tackle large-scale projects more efficiently and are redefining the cost-benefit calculus for air-tight genomics operations.

Mid-2025 saw the implementation of new tariff policies by the United States government, introducing incremental costs across the short-read sequencing supply chain. In response, leading platform manufacturers applied surcharges ranging from 2 percent to 9 percent on instruments and up to 5 percent on consumables, translating to an estimated $85 million in additional costs for one major provider in fiscal year 2025. These measures, driven by a universal 10 percent tariff and subsequent country-specific increases, have reverberated through the procurement strategies of research labs and clinical facilities.

The impact has been most acute for goods originating from China and Singapore, regions subject to elevated duty rates following trade tensions and unilateral tariff escalations. Cost-sensitive end users have responded by staggering purchases, exploring alternative suppliers, and renegotiating service contracts, while platform providers have sought to offset expenses through targeted price adjustments and cost-containment initiatives. In parallel, temporary tariff reductions between the United States and China have offered brief relief, though industry observers caution that these measures remain provisional and subject to renegotiation.

Looking ahead, stakeholders must integrate tariff volatility into their strategic planning, balancing the benefits of deploying cutting-edge sequencing technologies against the pressures of rising supply chain costs. By proactively monitoring policy developments and diversifying sourcing strategies, organizations can mitigate the financial impact and sustain momentum in their genomics programs.

Market segmentation offers a multifaceted perspective on where value is created and where growth is most dynamic. From a product standpoint, consumables such as flow cells, reagents, and library preparation kits constitute the recurrent revenue drivers, while instruments span benchtop and high-throughput sequencers tailored to different throughput requirements. Overlaying software and services-including bioinformatics consulting and data analysis platforms-reveals adjacent opportunities to enhance customer stickiness and build recurring service agreements.

Technology segmentation differentiates between approaches like semiconductor sequencing, which includes legacy platforms such as Ion Proton and Ion Torrent PGM, ligation-based methods, and sequencing by synthesis paradigms. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each technology is essential for aligning platform selection with project objectives, whether rapid turnaround is paramount or ultra-deep accuracy is required.

The end-user segmentation underscores distinct needs across academic and research institutions, contract research organizations, hospitals and diagnostic labs, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Each cohort demonstrates unique purchasing behaviors: academia often prioritizes cost flexibility, CROs emphasize throughput consistency, clinical labs demand rigorous regulatory compliance, and industry players focus on large-scale validity and reproducibility.

Applications further diversify the market landscape, from epigenomic assays such as chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation analysis to broad genomic workflows including resequencing, targeted panels, and whole-genome sequencing. Metagenomic and transcriptomic studies represent specialized verticals that leverage short-read platforms for microbial community profiling and RNA expression analysis respectively. This granular segmentation framework equips stakeholders with the insights necessary to tailor their strategies and product offerings to the highest-value market segments.

Regional dynamics continue to shape where and how short-read sequencing gains traction. In the Americas, the United States and Canada maintain leadership positions, underpinned by robust research funding, mature diagnostic infrastructure, and strong adoption within pharmaceutical pipelines. Data for leading providers indicate that revenues in North America have remained a bellwether, with recurrent instrument placements and high consumables utilization driving sustained value realization.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) represent a diverse tapestry of market maturity. Western Europe has demonstrated strong uptake in clinical sequencing and precision oncology initiatives, while emerging economies in the Middle East and Africa are gradually building genomic capabilities through strategic public–private partnerships. Regulatory harmonization efforts, such as the European IVDR, are pivotal in accelerating adoption for in vitro diagnostic applications.

Across Asia-Pacific, the confluence of rapid economic growth and targeted government investments in genomics has fueled some of the fastest adoption rates globally. Key markets like China, India, Japan, and Australia have embarked on national precision medicine programs and pathogen surveillance projects, driving demand for both mid-range and high-throughput short-read platforms. Regional suppliers have also played a role in broadening access by offering cost-effective alternatives tailored to local needs.

These geographic nuances underscore the importance of crafting region-specific strategies that address regulatory frameworks, funding landscapes, and local partnerships to maximize market penetration and sustainable growth.

The competitive landscape is anchored by a handful of well-capitalized firms and a growing cohort of specialized innovators. Illumina continues to hold a prominent position with its high-throughput NovaSeq X Series and a comprehensive software ecosystem, albeit managing headwinds from elevated tariff-related surcharges and headcount optimizations. In early 2025, Illumina implemented price adjustments to absorb approximately $40 million in additional costs while preserving R&D investments in multiomic applications.

Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) has responded to funding and tariff pressures by reducing operating expenses and workforce by around 120 positions, aiming to preserve its financial footing while continuing to advance its long-read technology roadmap. Thermo Fisher Scientific and Bruker have both assessed the impact of new U.S. tariffs, reporting projected increases in cost of goods sold and cautioning on potential EPS pressures, as highlighted by industry analysts.

Meanwhile, MGI and its subsidiary Complete Genomics have expanded their global footprints with mid-throughput offerings such as DNBSEQ-T1+ and portable platforms integrating AI-driven base calling, achieving high accuracy in sub-24-hour runs. These developments underscore a strategic effort to capture market share through differentiated price points and flexible deployment models.

Emerging companies are carving niches in specialized applications and embedded informatics solutions, leveraging partnerships with cloud providers and ecosystem integrators. This collective interplay of established incumbents and agile upstarts is propelling the short-read sequencing industry toward greater innovation and diversity of choice.

Industry leaders must adopt multifaceted strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities. First, diversifying manufacturing and sourcing locations can reduce exposure to tariff volatility, ensuring continuity of supply and financial predictability. Building redundant supply chains across trade zones will safeguard operations against future policy shifts.

Second, investment in modular workflow solutions that integrate sample preparation, sequencing, and data analysis will differentiate offerings and enhance customer loyalty. By offering end-to-end services through cloud-based bioinformatics platforms, companies can secure recurring revenue while addressing the growing demand for turnkey solutions.

Third, forging strategic alliances with academic consortia, clinical networks, and public health agencies will amplify market reach and accelerate adoption in high-impact applications. Collaborative pilot programs in precision oncology, rare disease screening, and pathogen surveillance can generate compelling evidence to support broader commercial roll-outs.

Lastly, embedding flexibility into pricing models-such as subscription-based access to instruments or outcome-based agreements-can lower entry barriers for cost-conscious end users. By aligning value propositions with user-specific success metrics, organizations can foster deeper engagement and drive long-term growth.

This analysis is grounded in a rigorous research methodology that combines both primary and secondary data gathering. Secondary research leveraged authoritative industry publications, patent filings, regulatory databases, and financial disclosures to construct a robust market overview. Key sources included peer-reviewed journals, government trade reports, and publicly available company statements.

Primary research efforts encompassed in-depth interviews with C-suite executives, R&D directors, and procurement leads across academic, clinical, and industrial settings. These structured discussions provided qualitative validation of technology adoption trends, tariff mitigation tactics, and purchasing dynamics. Additionally, insights were gathered from expert panels at major genomics conferences, ensuring a current and comprehensive perspective.

A triangulation approach integrated quantitative data points with qualitative inputs, enabling cross-verification and enhancing the reliability of findings. Segmentation analyses were performed using a top-down framework to identify macro-level trends, followed by a bottom-up assessment of individual product categories, technologies, and end-user behaviors. The result is a nuanced, multidimensional view of the short-read sequencing market.

Throughout the process, strict data governance protocols were adhered to, ensuring that all proprietary information was treated confidentially and that published results align with global research ethics guidelines.

This executive summary underscores the dynamic interplay between technological innovation, policy developments, and shifting market demands in the short-read sequencing domain. Advancements in high-throughput platforms and AI-enhanced workflows are redefining performance benchmarks, while evolving tariff structures are reshaping procurement strategies and cost management.

By examining segmentation across products, technologies, end users, and applications, this analysis reveals critical growth drivers and differentiation opportunities. Regional insights highlight the importance of tailored approaches to navigate regulatory landscapes and funding ecosystems in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific territories.

Strategic recommendations emphasize the need for supply chain diversification, integrated workflow offerings, collaborative partnerships, and adaptive pricing models. As leading players refine their innovation roadmaps and operational strategies, stakeholders should remain vigilant to policy shifts and competitive dynamics that could influence market trajectories.

Ultimately, organizations that align technological investments with end-user requirements and maintain agility in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainties will be best positioned to lead the next wave of genomic discoveries.

To secure your competitive edge and gain unparalleled insights into the short-read sequencing market, reach out today and explore how our comprehensive analysis can inform your strategic roadmap. Ketan Rohom, Associate Director of Sales & Marketing, invites you to discuss your organization’s unique challenges and priorities in an informed consultation. This collaborative session will help you tailor the report’s findings to your most pressing objectives-from optimizing product portfolios to refining go-to-market strategies.

By engaging with Ketan, you will unlock access to exclusive data, proprietary segmentation analyses, and forward-looking recommendations that empower decisive action. Whether you are seeking to deepen stakeholder alignment, identify emerging growth avenues, or bolster your resilience against trade and regulatory headwinds, this report is your essential guide. Contact Ketan Rohom at your earliest convenience to arrange a personalized briefing and obtain the full market research report.