China suspends imports of U.S. lumber, 3 soybean companies’ qualifications

China has stopped imports of U.S. lumber due to the detection of forest tree pests, and has also halted soybean import qualifications from three U.S. exporters due to the discovery of ergot and seed treatment agents on their products. The measures are aimed at protecting Chinese consumers' health and ensuring the security of imported grain.

China’s General Administration of Customs decided to stop imports of U.S. lumber from Tuesday after a recent detection of forest tree pests. It also halted soybean import qualifications from three U.S. exporters, the customs authorities said in a statement, as ergot and seed treatment agents were found on their products. The measures were taken to safeguard Chinese consumers’ health and ensure the security of imported grain, the statement added. Further development of the grain sector in the Black Sea and Danube region will be ...