Labour dispute leaves Christmas trees bound for Hong Kong stuck in US port

A labour dispute at a Seattle port is threatening to ruin Christmas for Hongkongers if it continues to delay the export of thousands of Christmas trees bound for the city.

Firs from growers in Washington State and Oregon that pass through the Port of Tacoma destined for Asia have been held up by contract talks that have slowed work since last month.

Ships carrying the pines and spruces take up to 22 days to reach Hong Kong, and the delay is causing worry for local Christmas tree sellers.

"If the trees arrive by December 10 or 12, it will still be OK, but after that, it will be a disaster," Shirley Lai, owner of Chun Hing Garden, said.

Almost 22,000 fresh Christmas trees were imported last year, with most of the trees coming from the United States, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Chun Hing Garden imports 3,000 trees shipped through Washington each year and customers like to pick up festive foliage as early as the end of November.