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, 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.
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.
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.
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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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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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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