Japan becomes Canada’s anchor timber market as exporters rebalance away from the US

Japan has emerged as the leading overseas destination for Canadian timber, reflecting a strategy that favours higher returns and structural alignment over sheer market size. In the global export hierarchy, Canada has not prioritised populous markets such as China or India. Instead, it has concentrated on Japan, where demand characteristics and pricing dynamics offer stronger margins and greater product compatibility. Bruce St. John, president of the Canadian Lumber Group, said Japan generates the highest value returns for Canadian timber imports. The relationship extends beyond standard lumber shipments. Japanese buyers demand specialised and customised products, creating a supply chain ...