Celebrating 100 Years of B.C. Wood Products in Japan

British Columbia (B.C.) delegates, including representation from the B.C. Ministry of Forests, First Nations and numerous industry leaders from companies across the province, travelled to Japan on a five-day mission starting on December 10, 2023, to strengthen international relationships, increase market opportunities, meet with customers and partners, and encourage Japanese businesses to use B.C. wood products. The mission commemorated the 100-year anniversary of B.C.’s timber trade relationship with Japan. In 2022, B.C. sold $1.45 billion worth of forestry products to Japan.

Throughout the week, mission delegates took part in various site visits to see first-hand how Canadian forest products are used in Japan. Delegates toured Seiwa Corporation’s multi-family residential project that is being built with Canadian wood; the showroom of Mihashi, the largest moulding supplier in Japan which stocks products from Timber Tile, a Hemlock tile company owned by Huu-ay-aht First Nation; and the premises of Tokyo based Wing Co., a leading importer of Canadian S-P-F dimension lumber.

Minister Bruce Ralston from B.C.’s Ministry of Forests and First Nations leaders also participated in a Canada-Japan wood forum and reception held at the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo, facilitated by Trade and Invest BC.  The event was attended by over 100 Japanese industry stakeholders with commercial ties to British Columbia and included a plaque presentation ceremony to recognize notable contributions made by Japanese market leaders that have helped raise interests in B.C. forest products in Japan.

During the mission, Minister Ralston and Chief Lynda Price of the Ulkatcho First Nation also met with senior officials from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism and the Japan Forestry Agency to explore possible synergies between B.C./Canada and Japan, in light of stimulating global growth and the demand for sustainably harvested wood products.

Trade and Invest BC works with international enterprises to help them build strong connections to the resources, skills and businesses that make B.C. the natural place to work, live and invest.

To learn more about how to import or export B.C. wood products, contact Trade and Invest BC.