Addressing phytosanitary standards is an important part of the China market development program, as barriers or delays can seriously hinder the competitiveness of B.C. wood products.
A case in point is the issue of pinewood nematode (PWN)—a parasitic worm that causes the disease pine wilt. Citing worries about imported wood carrying PWN that could then infect local forests, China introduced restrictions on softwood lumber imports from Canada and five other nations in 2022. While this did not ban Canadian imports, it added substantial time and cost to the delivery of goods, reducing the competitiveness of B.C. wood products.
FII China has been involved in ongoing engagement with Chinese officials, to reassure them that Canadian quality control standards—including heat treatment of S-P-F shipped to China—can deal with the PWN.
In 2024 this included a trip to B.C. by Chinese officials to review these approaches. The officials concluded that the Canadian heat treating approach has the potential to set a global standard in treatment and provide the basis for reconsidering import restrictions on Canadian wood products.
These findings bring the issue closer to resolution, a situation that FII China will continue working on until the issue is resolved.
PWN Barrier Discussion with NFGA | Photo: FII China
