The outbreak of coronavirus has brought New Zealand's already embattled logging industry to its knees.

Yesterday came the shock news from our export customers that no more logs can be loaded for China. It is due to Chinese ports being unmanned as a result of both the outbreak spreading through the country and the Chinese New Year holiday period. 

Staff across New Zealand have been told to go home, according to Stuff. 

Dana Logging Director Dennis Nielson told Mike Hosking the closure of ports and borders will have a long-term impact.

"With the decisions taken on winding down, ports closing, decisions taking by logging exporters, it's looking grim, and I can understand why people are nervous." 

He says businesses are having to make some difficult decisions.

"That can't be turned around in a day, it's going to be weeks rather than days. It's going to be painful, unfortunately."

The death toll for coronavirus has risen to 362, with more than 17,000 people infected worldwide.