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A GLOBAL GIANT
Canada is home to 367 million hectares of forested land – equivalent to more than 90% of Europe’s total land mass. Canada’s forests also make for some of the world’s most abundant, high-quality lumber and pulp thanks to the more northern, colder and slower-growing climate conditions. Each year less than 1% of its forests are harvested while between 400 and 600 million seedlings are planted. FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government,
trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding C$87.2bn, the country’s forest products sector is one of its largest employers – providing 200,000 direct jobs and operating in hundreds of communities across the country. The forest area harvested on private and Crown land in Canada ranges between 700,000-800,00ha per year. This
represents 0.2% of Canada’s total forested land. Total softwood and hardwood production in 2024 in Canada was 48.752 million m3
. Total wood product export value was C$18.4bn, with lumber accounting forC$9.07bn. UK imports of Canadian wood
products were worth C$260m. The US is by far Canada’s biggest export market, accounting for C$15.9bn of its total wood products and C$7.79bn of its lumber exports in 2024. ■
Figures from FPAC and Observatory of Economic Complexity.
strategic approach to managing our forest resources will be key to bringing more Canadian forest products to Canada and the world.
Forestry needs a National Forest Sector Strategy. Canada’s forestry communities are on the front line providing innovative ‘made-in-Canada’ essentials that can address our most basic needs, including affordable housing, biofuel, household paper and packaging products, diapers and other hygiene products. A clear national plan for sector and employment growth would include measures to:
• build more homes using Canadian wood products
• convert ‘wood waste’ into biofuels for energy
• open new international opportunities for Canada’s wood products
• cut red tape and regulatory barriers.
By prioritising the use of Canadian wood in infrastructure and housing projects, the government can not only strengthen the domestic industry but also accelerate the construction of more affordable housing units across the country. This approach aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the sustainability and resilience of the Canadian economy.
As we convert wood waste into energy, we need to advance biomass and pulp market opportunities. Clean Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) for biomass conversion can drive innovation, investment, and job creation in Canada’s forest bioeconomy. In leveraging these opportunities, it can be a leader in sustainable forest management and bio-based industries, contributing to global efforts to lower carbon emissions.
Top: Diversifying export markets will reduce the forest industries’ dependence on the US market and enhance the sector’s ability to withstand trade disruptions
Above: Canada can be a leader in sustainable forest management and
bio-based industries, contributing to global efforts to lower carbon emissions
Strengthening trade resilience is increasingly paramount. Diversifying export markets will reduce dependency on the US market and enhance the sector’s ability to withstand trade disruptions. Finally, environmental and land-use policies must remain science-based. A balanced regulatory framework that cuts red tape and regulatory barriers is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of the Canadian forest sector while safeguarding environmental standards.
The forest sector remains committed to collaboration with indigenous leaders, governments, labour partners, and other key stakeholders for developing a cross-Canada action plan that supports forest health and creates opportunities for employees and forest- dependent communities for the long term. For the forestry sector’s long-term health, the solution lies in domestic policy. With a robust response that supports the competitiveness of the forestry sector, Canada can mitigate the impact and emerge stronger. Expanding domestic wood use, advancing biomass and pulp market opportunities, strengthening trade resilience, and cutting regulatory barriers are critical steps in this journey. The Canadian government, industry leaders, and stakeholders must continue to work together to ensure a fair and sustainable future for the forest sector.
These issues are not unique to Canada. As the global markets respond to tariffs and trade uncertainties, new opportunities emerge to explore collaborative pathways and foster international partnerships to address common challenges. Now is the time for sector partners to come together, seize these opportunities, and build a more resilient global economy for sustainable forestry. ■
www.ttjonline.com | May/June 2025 | TTJ
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