US suspends imports of NZ flowers

The United States Department of Agriculture has suspended all imports of New Zealand flowers and foliage due to an interception of light-brown apple moths on a shipment.

Greg Keymer, a spokesman for the New Zealand Flower Exporters Association, said it was a major setback. "The trade with the States is 30 per cent of export trade in cut flowers," he said.

"It's 30 per cent of value, but 70 per cent of importance."

- AGENCIES