British Columbia’s forest sector is an interconnected industry spanning forest management and wood processing.
Our forests are not just a resource. They are a part of our culture and communities. With advanced technology, responsible management, and strong collaboration with First Nations, B.C. delivers high-quality, third party certified forest products that support environmental, social and economic values.
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.
To learn more about the forest sector's impact on BC’s communities, visit the below government resources.
British Columbia is recognized as a global leader in sustainable forest management, committed to 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 environmentally conscious buyers of wood products and scientists alike, with third-party studies highlighting BC’s leadership in sustainable forests.
Learn more about sustainable forest management practices in BC and Canada through these naturally:wood and government resources.
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.
Through naturally:wood, FII provides a wealth of resources relating to the many wood products British Columbia’s forests produce, including definitions, specifications and use cases.
Much of British Columbia was founded on forestry—an industry that has long sustained BC communities. However, with a relatively small population, the forest sector relies on export markets to continue to support local economies and maintain BC’s global position as a supplier of high-quality, sustainable wood products.
As a Crown corporation of the BC government, FII helps to develop and diversify markets for BC forest products at home and abroad to ensure the forest sector continues to be a key contributor to the provincial economy.
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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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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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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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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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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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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