In 2013, China closed the market for California citrus due to phytophthora syringae (brown rot). The market reopened, however, in July 2014 after a work plan was developed following negotiations between the U.S. and China.
Unfortunately, effective February 17, 2015, China's quarantine agency (AQSIQ) has suspended shipments of all citrus from Tulare County, due to the same issue. AQSIQ will not allow imports of citrus from Tulare County that departs ports on or after February 18, 2015. The suspension does not affect fruit sourced in counties other than Tulare.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported that several loads of citrus were tested in Shanghai and Phytophthora syringae was, in fact, detected. APHIS is conducting investigations in California to evaluate compliance with the China Protocol.