China lifts suspension on Washington state apple: USDA

China has lifted suspension on apples form Washington state, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Friday.

The Chinese government suspended imports of red and golden delicious apples from Washington state in 2012 as the two kinds of apple are repeatedly intercepted with three apple pests.

"USDA employees worked closely with the apple industry and China over a long period of time to achieve this market access," said Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The USDA has worked with the apple industry to take additional measures to safeguard apples from diseases caused by the pests.

The USDA also said the United States and China are making efforts to normalize U.S.-China apple trade, including the safe U. S. importation of apples grown in China.

In 2011 China imported apples from Washington state which were worth of 6.5 million U.S. dollars, according to USDA data.