Market Overview

India’s long-term growth is based on a young and rapidly expanding population that is boosting economic activity and creating a large, urban middle class. This is generating interest in modern home furnishings and interiors, trends that are driving steady growth in the demand for wood.

A diminishing supply of global hardwoods and increasing demand for wood from certified, sustainable sources presents a unique opportunity to position BC and Canada as a reliable supplier of fibre from sustainably managed sources.

Photo: Hemlock product trails, Bramola | Credit: FII India

Key Stats

0

product trials with local manufacturers were completed in 2024/25

0

stockists across India are now carrying BC softwood products

0

Indian manufacturers across 67 cities have conducted product trials using BC wood species since 2014

Why India?

  • Positive demographics, long-term economic growth and an expanding middle class.
  • Significant increases in demand for wood products. 
  • Limited domestic wood supply and declining availability of wood from traditional sources (mainly hardwood). 
  • The potential to capitalize on the benefits and suitability of softwoods from Canada. 

Market Priorities

  • Increase awareness of Canadian softwood species through targeted outreach, promotion and education. 
  • Expand commercial adoption of Canadian softwood species among producers of furniture, doors, windows, door and window frames and interior/exterior finishing, with a focus on coastal species. 
  • Grow the number of wood importers (or stockists) inventorying Canadian wood for sale in key regional markets. 
  • Advance understanding of market opportunities and barriers through the use of targeted research.
  • Leverage the extensive array of FII-supported demonstration projects to help the Indian construction and design communities adopt wood use in structural and related non-structural applications. 
  • Support BC companies in their efforts to learn about, enter and expand their market presence.

 

 

Strategic Approach

Market development efforts in India are a partnership between Forestry Innovation Investment and the Canada Wood Group. Since 2014, FII’s subsidiary in India, FII India, has pursued a comprehensive program involving a mix of business development, research and marketing activities. In addition, program activities have encouraged commercial uptake of Canadian wood products through an extensive program of product trials with manufacturers and by securing and then leveraging high-profile demonstration projects with strategic partners.

Download our India Market Development Summary (PDF)

Quick Links

Featured Projects

Wood in manufacturing

In the initial phase of the India market development program, FII conducted extensive research to identify the markets of greatest opportunity for B.C. wood products and the marketing techniques that would be most effective in the country. This research identified the wood in manufacturing sector (WIM) as having the greatest potential. Leveraging the Canada Wood brand already established through marketing efforts in other parts of Asia was seen as the fastest way to build local awareness.

WIM is a large sector that encompasses the making of furniture, doors and door frames, windows and interior finishing products. It includes a large domestic market and a strong export sector. Combined, the sector is growing more than 10 percent per year.

Market development efforts combine product trials, commercial demonstration projects, and ongoing promotion, outreach and education.

Photo: FII India

New government building features western hemlock

Extensive use of western hemlock has allowed the Indore local government to build a new assembly hall that is functional, visually impressive and environmentally progressive.

Based on a relationship with FII India established through trade events and seminars, local officials called on the expertise of the FII team for design and technical support. FII worked with officials to find the right fit for this project. Ultimately, the design team chose western hemlock and facilitated supply through local distributors.

The assembly hall is used on a regular basis by state officials, party leaders, and members of the Legislative Assembly for government meetings, events and elections. It is already receiving a great deal of attention—and perhaps a bit of envy—from other local government officials.

Photo: Indore Nagar Parishad Assembly Hall | Credit: FII India

Centre of Excellence featuring Canadian wood

In a unique partnership, FII India has collaborated with a leading training institute to open a Centre of Excellence for training in wood manufacturing. The agreement includes a physical training centre at Caple’s facilities in Mumbai, with FII hosting events and workshops developed in partnership with the Furniture Fittings Skill Council (FFSC)—an industry-led, non-profit organization operating under India’s Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

The new facility covers 13,000 square feet and features hemlock, S-P-F, Douglas-fir, and western red cedar, all from B.C.

Through the centre, FII India aims to educate, upskill and empower carpenters, machine operators, and production managers in handling, manufacturing and machining wood through a regular series of training programs developed by FFSC. Sustainable wood and production practices will be highlighted. The facility will also provide a platform to showcase and promote B.C. wood products, elevating the market reach of the Canadian Wood brand.

Photos: FII India

New capacity opens India to mass timber

While interest in mass timber is growing in India, limited local manufacturing capacity has so far constrained its adoption in construction. However, this is set to change with the upcoming launch of India’s first glue-laminated timber (GLT) factory—marking a significant step forward in enabling large-scale use of mass timber in the country.

Jackhammer India’s new facility will manufacture GLT beams of up to 18 metres in length to international standards using B.C. Douglas-fir and Indian species.

Architects and engineers in India are well aware of the environmental benefits of mass timber construction, in part due to seminars and educational programs sponsored by FII India. This has led to interest for mass timber use, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. However, up to this point, a lack of supply has limited the design and building of larger facilities, such as lodges or assembly halls.

Photo: Jackhammer glulam manufacturing facility | Credit: FII India

FII’s Year in Review

For an overview of our past recipient projects completed, please download our Year in Review.

Download our Year in Review (PDF)