B.C. softwood lumber exports to China in 2009 more than doubled from the previous year, hitting a record 1.63 billion board feet as forecast.
January 2010's export statistics to China show a continued upward trend, B.C. Forests Minister Pat Bell told reporters Monday.
In January 2009, B.C. shipped 28 million board feet to China. In 2010, the province shipped 127 million board feet to China.
"Dependability, strong product performance, and a sharp marketing focus have led to record-breaking demand for B.C. softwood lumber," said Bell. "This winning combination will continue to see increased use of B.C. wood in China as we reach our goal of exporting four billion board feet by the end of 2011."
The province has set a target of exporting four billion board feet of lumber by the end of 2011. The initiative is meant to diversify the province's lumber markets, giving it a relief valve from its single biggest customer, the United States.
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