Diversifying and expanding B.C.’s forestry sector is top of mind as Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, leads industry representatives, First Nations, and other sector experts on a trade mission to Japan and South Korea.

“Forestry has always been a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, and today, it’s our gateway to new global opportunities,” Parmar said. “B.C. is leading this mission at a time when our forestry sector is under attack by Donald J. Trump’s unfair and unjustified tariffs. We’re strengthening B.C.’s forestry sector by opening new markets, forging powerful partnerships and showing the world that B.C. produces the highest quality, most sustainably managed wood products on the planet. My message is clear: We will not be defined by American protectionism.”

Beginning Nov. 8, the seven-day trade mission, the largest B.C. forest-sector mission to Asia, builds on the momentum of the recently announced Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) office in London, England. These initiatives signal B.C.’s bold strategy to expand global reach, strengthen existing partnerships and open new markets for B.C. wood products.

“As we embark on this trade mission, our main goal is showcasing B.C.’s high-quality wood products produced by our talented and diverse workforce," said Rick Doman, chair, Forestry Innovation Investment. “This trade mission will help to do just that as we build and expand global partnerships, while also strengthening our forestry sector right here at home.”

The goals of this mission include:

• forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones built on diplomacy and respect to deepen B.C.’s presence in key international markets;
• highlighting B.C.’s world-class innovation, including advancing the use of value-added wood products, mid-rise buildings and mass-timber construction; and
• reinforcing B.C. as a modern, global leader in sustainable forestry rooted in local prosperity and stewardship

“As British Columbia’s forest economy transforms, First Nations are transforming with it,” said Lenny Joe, CEO, B.C. First Nations Forestry Council. “Our participation in this mission to Japan and South Korea highlights the pivotal role and value First Nations bring to shaping the future of forestry at home and abroad.”

Parmar will be joined on the trade mission by Makenzie Leine, deputy minister, Ministry of Forests; Doman; and other representatives from FII, B.C.’s forestry sector and First Nations. As part of a Team Canada approach, members of the Alberta government, including Todd Loewen, Alberta’s Minister of Forests, will also join this trade mission.

During the mission, delegates will:

• meet with government representatives, including Japan Forestry Agency and the Land and Housing Research Institute in South Korea;
• visit local businesses and manufacturers, such as:
  • Mitsubishi Estate Wood Panel Plant, a leading pre-fabricator and builder of two-by-four panel and truss assemblies and a frequent collaborator with Canada Wood;
  • Xyence Pressure Treating Plant, a large national pressure-treating company that is a longtime customer of B.C. coastal hemlock and Douglas-fir products; and
  • Younglim Headquarters, the largest wood-product manufacturer and distributor in Korea and the largest importer of Canadian wood.

This trade mission builds on work done with the Government of Canada to support B.C.’s forestry sector, including the need to transform the sector and increase access to new and expanded markets for softwood lumber. The Province recently proposed how the federal government can best assist in supporting workers, contractors and communities in B.C., and the federal government agreed to take urgent action in the coming weeks.

B.C. has taken action to support the expansion of forestry markets domestically and internationally. Market diversification helps the sector be more resilient to global market swings or market instability caused by U.S. trade actions on softwood lumber and other wood products.

Quote:

Kim Haakstad, president and CEO, B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) –

“Trade missions like this play an important role in strengthening international markets for B.C. forest products. With more than 50 years of COFI’s presence in Japan, we’ve seen the power of long-term collaboration between industry, governments and partners like Canada Wood Group in building strong relationships across Asia. Sustained, multi-year efforts to deepen our presence in markets like Japan and Korea are essential to the future resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s forest-products sector.” 

Quick Facts:

• Japan is the second-largest market for B.C. lumber by value, making it the highest-value and oldest market in Asia for forestry products.
• B.C. sold forestry products valued at approximately $890 million to Japan in 2024.
• B.C. exported $239 million of forestry products to South Korea in 2024. The trade mission will work to expand that market.
• FII is focused on expanding opportunities for B.C. forestry products and ensuring B.C.’s forestry sector continues to be a key contributor to the provincial economy.