China trade mission

The Chief Executives of West Fraser Timber Co., Canfor Corp, Tolko Industries, International Forest Products, Conifex Timber left for a trade mission China on Thursday, along with other top industry and union officials.

The Chinese market has been a steady customer for our western lumber producers this year. British Columbia has estimated its producers had sold $342 million (Cdn.) in lumber to China in the first eight months of this year, up 71% from a year ago.

Ever since Russia decided to raise duties on their logs exported to Chinese sawmills, China's growing demand for lumber has meant

an increase in orders for Canadian producers. It is possible that Canada will overtake Russia as the largest lumber exporter to China this year.

As for us, the U.S. still remains our largest customer for our lumber exports, although the demand for Canadian lumber in the U.S. has decreased with the collapse of its housing market.

Read more about our exports to China:

China offers hope for Canadian forestry investors (Reuters)