RICHMOND—China has agreed to re-open its market to imports of Virginia logs, reversing a yearlong trade barrier.

Bans by the Chinese government on poultry and logs from Virginia have proven to be ongoing challenges for the state’s agriculture, forestry and shipping sectors.

“China is our second-largest agricultural trade partner, and the ban was negatively impacting both Virginia’s exporters and our valued customers in China,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell on May 23 when he announced a six-month pilot project to reopen the Chinese market to Virginia’s hardwood and softwood log exporters. “My administration will continue working with all involved parties to see that this pilot program is successful and eventually leads to full open-market access.”

In April 2011, China banned log exports from Virginia and South Carolina, claiming insects were found in some shipments. The McDonnell administration worked with federal agencies involved in trade negotiations with China, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, to lift the ban. The groups were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment, tracing and inspection protocols to guard against unwanted pests in log shipments.

Last year, the value of Virginia’s log exports was estimated at nearly $57 million, down $10 million from 2010. Prior to the ban, Virginia was a major East Coast supplier to China, the world’s top log importer.

J.J. Keever, Virginia Port Authority senior deputy executive director for external affairs, estimated that the ban was stopping the export of 4,000 to 5,000 shipping containers a month from Virginia during logging season.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Virginia logs will be allowed to enter China beginning June 1 via designated ports, with enhanced pest treatment and testing protocols.

Virginia forestland totals nearly 16 million acres, and more than 144,000 Virginians are employed in forestry and forest product-related industries.

“Around 80 percent of forestland in the commonwealth is privately owned, so re-opening the Chinese market is great news for these forestland owners,” said Andrew Smith of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation governmental relations staff. “This will again increase the shipment of timber grown right here in Virginia.”

Contact Smith at 804-290-1021.