[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Humasis has once again expressed a strong stance in response to the damages claim filed by Celltrion.
Humasis announced on the 7th that it has received the lawsuit documents filed by Celltrion claiming damages. The claimed amount is 60.2 billion KRW. Humasis, which has taken legal action, plans to hold Celltrion accountable and terminate the contract.
On the 31st of last month, Celltrion filed a lawsuit against Humasis demanding damages and the return of advance payments. Celltrion claims that although it placed orders for COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits with Humasis, it suffered damages due to failure to meet the scheduled delivery deadlines.
Prior to this, on the 26th of last month, Humasis also filed a lawsuit against Celltrion claiming 120 billion KRW for unpaid test kit payments and damages. The unpaid amount by Celltrion to Humasis amounts to 41.03 million USD (approximately 51.6 billion KRW).
Humasis stated that it accepted Celltrion’s requests to halt production and extend delivery deadlines, but could not accept the excessive price reductions to less than 50% of the original price. When Humasis refused to accept the price reduction, Celltrion claimed contract termination.
Humasis also refuted Celltrion’s claim of failure to meet delivery deadlines. It explained that due to an emergency government measure requiring prior approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for export volumes, Celltrion’s export shipments were affected, resulting in extended delivery deadlines, but there was mutual agreement on this.
A company official said, “Celltrion’s contract termination is unjustified without legal grounds,” and “We will terminate the contract based on Celltrion’s refusal to perform and breach of contractual obligations.”
The official added, “Demanding unilateral and excessive price reductions from partner companies citing poor sales performance by a large corporation is an abuse of power.”
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