Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
VICTORIA – After 10 months, the value of B.C.'s softwood lumber exports have broken a new record, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Thomson announced Friday.
"It's encouraging to see the value of lumber exports to our top three markets have significantly increased over recent years. I'm especially thrilled that we've again broken new records in China – it's further evidence that all our hard work in that market is paying off,” Thompson said.
"The increased demand for B.C.'s softwood lumber products translates to job security in B.C.'s mills and B.C.'s woods."
To the end of October 2013, the value of total softwood lumber exports to China reached $1.17 billion – exceeding the previous record set in 2011 when softwood lumber exports to China totalled $1.1 billion.
B.C.'s October shipments of lumber to China also broke new records for monthly volume (865,000 cubic metres) and value ($145.5 million).
The value of lumber exports to Japan and the U.S. to the end of October also have surpassed recent years' totals. Softwood lumber exports to the U.S. are at $2.13 billion (compared to $2 billion for all of 2012), and to Japan at $703 million (compared to $674 million for all of 2012). The U.S., China and Japan are B.C.'s top three markets for softwood lumber.
The increase in value reflects both higher shipment volumes to these markets in 2013 as well as increased lumber prices.
Thomson led a trade mission of over 25 senior forestry executives to Japan and China in October. Premier Christy Clark returned from her 2013 Jobs and Trade Mission to Asia just last week.