British Columbia\u2019s largest forestry trade mission to Asia has returned with three signed agreements and new partnerships in Japan and South Korea \u2014 a high\u2011stakes effort the province says will secure jobs and open markets at a critical moment for the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s tariffs have created real uncertainty for B.C.\u2019s forestry sector, and that\u2019s why our work in Asia matters now more than ever,\u201d said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. \u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than 60 delegates, including seven from First Nations and First Nations\u2011owned 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.\u2019s forestry sector:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n John Gillis, vice\u2011president of Centurion Lumber, said the Vancouver Island agreement \u201cbrings together four exceptional partners whose combined strengths will transform what\u2019s possible for affordable modular housing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2011term relationships built on trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bruce St. John, president of Canada Wood, emphasised that the partnerships are laying the groundwork for future growth. \u201cTogether, we’re creating new opportunities for Canadian wood products in these key construction markets,\u201d 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\u2011standing relationships and expanded opportunities for wood construction, positioning B.C. companies as reliable partners for growing global demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier this month, Wood Central<\/em><\/a> reported that the visit underscored a pivot to reduce dependence on the United States, which remains the largest destination for Canadian softwood lumber. \u201cThis trade mission will work to expand that market,\u201d the province said of South Korea, where B.C. exported roughly $239 million in forestry products in 2024. Japan remains the highest\u2011value Asian market for B.C. lumber, with approximately $890 million in provincial exports last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The push coincides with efforts to scale production of engineered wood and mass\u2011timber systems, products officials say are well\u2011suited to rising demand for low\u2011carbon building materials and off\u2011site prefabrication. Last month, Wood Central<\/em> <\/a>reported that the province was opening a new London office \u2014 its first in Europe \u2014 as part of a strategy to expand its presence in the European marketplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n