Bulk alfalfa cubes are handled more severely and more often, which increases breakage and fines. But, the savings in transportation have helped Canada increase its market share of cube exports to Japan and Korea. Bulk shipments of cubes have also been made from Washington ports. A recent trend has been the shipment of bagged cubes to Japan in containers. The smaller bags are stacked on a pallet and wrapped with plastic.
Japan has strict import regulations.
If the containers have been fumigated in the United States, PPQ checks for gas residues. If residues are above allowable levels, the containers must then be aerated. Next, PPQ checks for pests and prohibited items. If insects are found, then containers must be fumigated in Japan. Prohibited items include wheat or barley plants, wheat or barley straw, and any Agropyron grasses.