Wood Products Exports Will Benefit from Trans Pacific Trade Deal: COFI
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VANCOUVER, BC - The Vancouver-based Council of Forest Industries says the Canadian government agreement to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will create new opportunities for the British Columbia forest industry, especially in emerging Asian markets.

“We’re particularly encouraged by Japan’s willingness to gradually eliminate tariffs on forest products imports,” said Susan Yurkovich, President and CEO of COFI. “We have long and productive relationships in the Japanese market, and we believe the TPP will only strengthen those relationships.”

COFI also sees great opportunities in ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia, where British Columbia softwood lumber can become a competitive substitute for tropical hardwoods in the manufacturing process if the existing 30%-40% tariffs are reduced or eliminated.

Shipping Lumber Exports

Export markets for the wood products manufacturing industry are critically important to the British Columbia economy. For example, forest products account for 24 per cent of all cargo exports from Port Metro Vancouver. The forest industry contributes $12 billion annually to provincial GDP and 150,000 jobs in the province rely on the industry.

COFI is a trade association representing forest companies operating in communities throughout the interior of the province of British Columbia. Our members are leaders within the global forest products industry. They drive the economy of the province and the communities in which they operate through world-leading forest practices, innovation, sustainability and job creation.
 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.