The US port of Virginia has recommenced the export of logs to China after a 14-month-long ban. This was imposed in April 2011 after hardwood and softwood logs from South Carolina and Virginia were found to be infested by a worm infecting pine trees. Trade has nevertheless resumed for a pilot period of six months although under serious restrictions. Traffic is only expected to be a quarter of what it once was. Only two Chinese ports have been mandated to receive these logs: Shanghai and Jiangsu. All shipments will be subjected to additional inspection and fumigation to rid logs of the pinewood nematode.
BC