Port of Astoria log exports on hold due to trade war

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) – A bulk carrier at the Port of Astoria’s Pier 1 loaded with 5.5 million board feet of timber from Astoria Forest Products is set to leave Friday for China.

The Daily Astorian reports it could be the last log export for the Port until the deepening trade war between the U.S. and China is resolved.

Astoria Forest Products yard manager Chad Niedermeyer says log ship contracts for next year are on hold because of impending tariffs.

President Donald Trump recently announced 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, with an increase to 25 percent next year.

Niedermeyer says the Chinese currently charge 5 percent tariffs on Douglas fir and hemlock, along with 10 percent on spruce and grand fir.

But if Trump’s tariff increases take effect, he says Chinese customers are indicating there will be 25 percent tariffs on all U.S. imports.

___

Information from: The Daily Astorian, http://www.dailyastorian.com