British Columbia’s largest forestry trade mission to Asia has returned with three signed agreements and new partnerships in Japan and South Korea — a high‑stakes effort the province says will secure jobs and open markets at a critical moment for the industry.
“Donald Trump’s tariffs have created real uncertainty for B.C.’s forestry sector, and that’s why our work in Asia matters now more than ever,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “In Japan and South Korea, our delegation delivered real results by forging powerful partnerships that open new markets, create stability for B.C. businesses and protect jobs at home.”
More than 60 delegates, including seven from First Nations and First Nations‑owned forestry businesses, met with over 300 customers and partners through 20 site visits, tours and meetings. The mission produced three MOUs that highlight both international and local gains for B.C.’s forestry sector:
- Japan: Canada Wood and the Japan 2×4 Home Builders Association agreed to expand technical collaboration and market development for mid‑rise and non‑residential wood construction, positioning B.C. companies to supply lumber for Japan’s booming hospitality sector.
- South Korea: Canada Wood, Forestry Innovation Investment and the Korea Land and Housing Research Institute signed an agreement to promote wood‑based housing as part of South Korea’s carbon‑neutrality goals, opening the door for mass timber as a low‑carbon alternative to concrete.
- Vancouver Island: Centurion Lumber, Wing/Mobitech, Western Forest Products, and the First Nations Forestry Council signed an MOU to deliver affordable modular housing, including emergency housing, affordable homes for First Nations and underserved communities, and laneway housing to increase density.
John Gillis, vice‑president of Centurion Lumber, said the Vancouver Island agreement “brings together four exceptional partners whose combined strengths will transform what’s possible for affordable modular housing.”
According to Lennard Joe, CEO of the B.C. First Nations Forestry Council, the mission underscored Indigenous leadership. He said signing an MOU with Japanese partners and B.C. industry to collaborate on housing solutions was a highlight, adding that the delegation also learned how deeply Japanese partners value long‑term relationships built on trust.
Bruce St. John, president of Canada Wood, emphasised that the partnerships are laying the groundwork for future growth. “Together, we’re creating new opportunities for Canadian wood products in these key construction markets,” he said, pointing to the role of technical innovation and market development in driving demand. Meanwhile, Kim Haakstad, president and CEO of the B.C. Council of Forest Industries stressed that the mission delivered tangible outcomes. She said the agreements strengthened long‑standing relationships and expanded opportunities for wood construction, positioning B.C. companies as reliable partners for growing global demand.
Earlier this month, Wood Central reported that the visit underscored a pivot to reduce dependence on the United States, which remains the largest destination for Canadian softwood lumber. “This trade mission will work to expand that market,” the province said of South Korea, where B.C. exported roughly $239 million in forestry products in 2024. Japan remains the highest‑value Asian market for B.C. lumber, with approximately $890 million in provincial exports last year.
The push coincides with efforts to scale production of engineered wood and mass‑timber systems, products officials say are well‑suited to rising demand for low‑carbon building materials and off‑site prefabrication. Last month, Wood Central reported that the province was opening a new London office — its first in Europe — as part of a strategy to expand its presence in the European marketplace.
- To learn why Canada is looking to global markets to increase production of mass timber six-fold over the next 20 years, click here for Wood Central’s special feature from June 2024.
