Jobs and Communities

BC’s forests, the majority of which are publicly owned, sustain hundreds of communities and tens of thousands of jobs across the province. Although the forest sector’s relative economic footprint has lessened as other industries such as energy, tourism and technology have grown in importance, forestry remains one of BC’s largest manufacturing industries and a cornerstone of regional economies across the province.

Photo credit: Nik West, courtesy naturallywood.com

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billion in BC resource revenue was generated by the forest sector in 2021/22

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+
Indigenous Nations and Organizations are involved in the BC forest industry

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Communities providing goods and services to B.C.'s forest sector

Sustainable Forests

British Columbia is recognized as a global leader in sustainable forest management, meeting the environmental, social and economic needs of current and future generations. Canada is the international leader in forest certification with BC contributing more than any other province. Stringent forest laws, skilled forestry professionals, comprehensive monitoring, compliance and enforcement strengthen the province’s leading reputation.

Our commitment to sustainable forest management is recognized by buyers and scientists alike, with third-party studies highlighting BC’s leadership in sustainable forests and a growing number of environmentally conscious buyers demanding wood products made from sustainably sourced materials.

Photo credit: Nik West, courtesy naturallywood.com

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%
of BC’s forestlands have been set aside as parks and protected areas

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%
of BC’s forests are publicly owned, allowing the Province to determine how forest resources can best be utilized for long-term benefits

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%
of the total land available is harvested annually by the BC forest sector

Wood Products

A wide variety of high-quality products, including mass timber and engineered wood, softwood lumber, biomass, as well as pulp and paper come from British Columbia’s sustainably managed forests.

Photo credit: Nik West, courtesy naturallywood.com

Key Markets

Much of British Columbia was founded on forestry—an industry that has long sustained BC communities and local economies. However, with a relatively small population, the forest sector relies on export markets to grow and prosper.

On behalf of the Province, we at Forestry Innovation Investment help to expand and diversify markets for BC forest products here at home, as well as within key international markets.

Photo: GuangWuHeGu Resort | Credit: Sichuan Kaiyuan Group

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billion of BC’s total exports came from forest products in 2021

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%
of BC lumber was destined for international markets in 2021

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%
of international customers agree that BC forest products are a good choice for the environment

Our Key Markets

Erimo Pig Farm, Hokkaido prefecture | Photo: Hokkaido Chuo Bokujyo

Japan

As BC’s second-largest market outside of North America, Japan remains an important and high-value market for BC wood products.

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interior wood furniture in living room

Vietnam

As the second-largest exporter of furniture in the Asia-Pacific region after China, Vietnam presents exciting opportunities for the BC forest sector.

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Interior fit out of the Taj Rishikesh Hotel made from B.C. wood species, Uttarakhand | Photo: FII India.

India

With projected long-term economic growth and a strong appetite for wood products, India is positioned to become an important market for BC forest products.

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wooden floors and ceiling at a residential terrace in South Korea

South Korea

South Korea is a small but highly valued market for BC forest products, where Canada is well-positioned to take advantage of market opportunities, particularly in the construction sector.

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Dining room with wooden beans and furniture at a villa resort in Hui Xin, China

China

China is one of the world’s largest consumers of wood products and is essential to the growth and success of the BC forest sector.

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United States

The United States is BC’s largest market for lumber, mass timber and value-added wood products. FII continues to support a range of programs to expand opportunities for BC wood products south of the border.

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Modern wooden tree house

British Columbia

Expanding opportunities for wood use within our home province and showcasing BC’s innovation in wood construction around the world remain integral components of FII’s strategy to strengthen the BC forest sector.

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