Canada’s forest industry has been bruised by U.S. trade barriers this year. The combination of softwood lumber duties and section 232 tariffs result in a staggering 45 per cent tax on Canadian lumber coming into the U.S., artificially pricing us out of a market that takes almost 50% of what is produced in Alberta. Market diversification isn’t just smart business anymore—it’s an economic imperative. This Friday, Alberta’s Minister of Forestry & Parks, Todd Loewen, and a delegation from Canada Wood and both the Alberta and B.C. forest industries are wheels up on a critical trade mission to Japan and South Korea to strengthen relationships and grow market demand for our sustainable wood products. Few markets hold higher standards for quality product than Japan and South Korea—and Alberta can deliver. Our cold climate and short growing season give our trees long fibres and tight growth rings, resulting in wood that is exceptionally strong, stable, and lightweight.