For the second month in a row, the value B.C. exports of softwood lumber to China surpassed the value shipped to the United States.
In June, $130 million worth of softwood lumber was shipped to China compared with $125 million that was sold to the U.S., according to Statistics Canada figures released Friday.
The figures are also an increase over the $122 million sold into China and $119 million into the U.S. in May.
"Not only did we repeat the feat that many people didn't think was possible previously, we also expanded on that," jobs, tourism and innovation minister Pat Bell said.
Add on a nearly 14-per-cent surge in export in products of all types from B.C. to Asia and Europe during the first six months of the year, also shown in the numbers, and Bell said there is cause for optimism despite ongoing turmoil south of the border.
"And I think it shows that if we keep our economic strategy focussed on the things we do well, which is things like mining, forestry, energy, those sorts of initiatives, we can get through the economic downturn that is currently happening in the U.S. without too much damage," Bell said.
Lumber export volumes were also up. In June, they added up to 531 million board feet into China and 563 million board feet into the United States, compared to 470 million board feet and 526 million board feet respectively in May.
During June, B.C.-origin exports were worth $2.98 billion, an increase of 11 per cent over what was exported in June 2010. For the first time ever, Asia, at $6.9 million over the first half of the year, has surpassed the U.S., at $6.8 million, as B.C.'s most important market.
"Especially this week, with the turmoil that's been out there on the stock markets, I think it's especially important the public know that the world has not ended as we know it," Bell said.
