Log Exports to Resume Out of Oregon’s Port of Astoria Starting in December
Log export company to bring cargo operations back to Port of Astoria
Longview, Washington-based Northwest Forest Link will begin exporting logs overseas to China out of Astoria, Oregon’s Pier 1 beginning in December, The Astorian reported (11-7-23). The contract was approved on Tuesday by the Port Commission of Astoria and has a two-year term with an option to renew. Log exports ended at the port in 2019 amid the US trade war with China.
Northwest Forest Link is a subsidiary of Western Coast Enterprise Ltd., which has its headquarters in Richmond, British Columbia. The company currently operates export facilities in Rainer and Grays Harbor, shipping logs to China, Japan, and South Korea.
According to The Astorian, Northwest Forest Link’s general manager, John McDougall, has said the Astoria location will primarily focus on shipping to China, noting the small size of the facilities relative to the company’s other operations.
Will Isom, the port’s executive director, told The Astorian that the port has been looking to bring cargo shipments back since Astoria Forest Products terminated its leases in 2020 following a decline in revenue due to the US trade war with China. Isom said the port had been waiting for the “right opportunity” to enter into a contract.
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