NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008FOR0143-001645 Oct. 28, 2008	Ministry of Forests and Range
2008 WOOD EXPORTS TO CHINA SET TO BREAK RECORD

VICTORIA – The latest trade statistics indicate that British Columbia softwood exports to China will set a new record in 2008, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today. 

 

Sales data from January to August 2008 show that British Columbia has already exported 689,576 cubic metres of softwood products to China, just shy of the record 727,750 cubic metres exported in all of 2007.

 

“Our long-term objective and main focus is encouraging China to adopt North American wood frame construction in ways that fit the unique mix of housing styles in China,” said Bell. “China is the second-largest wood import market in the world and represents the fastest-growing market for B.C. wood products.”

 

With a declining log supply from Russia (due to a tax on all log exports) and limited alternate sources of logs, Chinese demand for imported softwood lumber has huge growth potential, provided that foreign suppliers can be cost-competitive.

 

“The collapse of the U.S. housing market has emphasized the critical importance of diversifying our markets,” said Council of Forest Industries president John Allan. “We appreciate the effort the government has made in developing the Chinese market, and look forward to working collectively to grow our business there.”

 

            Bell will be joined by more than a dozen industry representatives on a Nov. 12-18 trade mission to China. The delegation will view progress on B.C. marketing and demonstration projects, strengthen relationships with construction agencies and government officials, and pursue new sales opportunities.

 

The Province, through Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. and in conjunction with the Canada Wood Group, has been working over the last several years to diversify B.C.’s markets by demonstrating new uses for softwood products.

 

Key site visits on the itinerary include the Dream Home Canada Demonstration Centre in Shanghai, two villas next to the demonstration centre, earthquake reconstruction in Mianyang and Beichuan, construction of a wood-frame school in Baoshan, and the Putuo commercial roofing renovation project.

 

-30-

Media contact:	Sophia Proctor Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.