Amid increasing global demand for sustainable materials and new tariff threats from the U.S., Alberta is taking bold steps to strengthen global trade ties. A recent forestry trade mission to Japan punctuates the province’s commitment to diversifying its export markets by strengthening trade relationships in Japan, Alberta’s second-largest export market for softwood lumber. The first of its kind, this Alberta-led trade mission was headed by Minister Todd Loewen and Deputy Minister Ronda Goulden of the Government of Alberta’s Forestry and Parks ministry. Delegates from Canada Wood and Alberta’s forest industry joined the mission as well. In a high-impact week, the Alberta delegation met with Japanese customers, developers, and builders to discuss pathways to expand wood products trade with Japan and to learn about the unique opportunities and demand for wood construction.