Roundwood coniferous market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

Coniferous roundwood production in Canada started at 128.3 million m³ in 2018 but dropped to 115.2 million m³ the following year. The decline was driven by a shortage of labor for harvesting and a significant rise in forest fees and U.S. tariffs, which raised costs for producers. Additionally, wildfires and insect outbreaks constrained the available timber supply.

From 2020 to 2022, output stabilized around 117 million m³ despite the temporary dampening effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand. The industry continued to adjust to structural challenges, including hearings on a collective marketing plan for sawlogs and negotiations over new sales agreements.

In 2023, production plunged to 91.6 million m³. This sharp contraction was caused by extensive forest fires that reduced timber availability and by an increase in U.S. duties on softwood lumber exports to 14.40%, which undermined the competitiveness of Canadian products and lowered demand for roundwood.

Production coniferous roundwood in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, M m³

From 2017 to 2020, Canada ranked third globally in the production of coniferous roundwood.

Top producers of coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

World map of production of coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

In 2020, Canada produced 116.4 million cubic meters of coniferous roundwood, marking a 1.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 115.2 million cubic meters, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 128.3 million cubic meters. The sharpest decline was observed in 2019, dropping by 10.2%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in kind, 2017-2020, M m³

Exports coniferous roundwood from Canada

Exports in kind, K m³

Canada's exports of coniferous roundwood declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 3 214 thousand cubic meters, representing a sharp drop of 38.7% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, exports decreased by 41.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Canada in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Japan, and the United States were the key export partners for coniferous roundwood from Canada. China accounted for 54.8% of exports in volume, Japan for 20.8%, and the United States for 15.9%. Together, these three countries made up 91.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Canada in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Canada's cross-border shipments of coniferous roundwood in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 309.3 million US dollars, showing a sharp decrease of 44.9% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2020 period, exports fell by 51.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -21.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Canada in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, Japan, and the United States remained the primary destinations for Canada's coniferous roundwood exports in value terms. China held a 48.0% share, Japan 23.5%, and the United States 19.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 90.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Canada in value, 2017-2020

Imports coniferous roundwood to Canada

Imports in kind, K m³

Canada's imports of coniferous roundwood in volume declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 2 398 thousand cubic meters, reflecting a controlled decrease of 9.7% compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, imports dropped by 10.0%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Canada in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, the United States dominated Canada's import structure for coniferous roundwood in volume, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Canada in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Canada's cross-border shipments of coniferous roundwood in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 170.4 million US dollars, indicating a moderate decline of 8.3% from 2019. Over the 2018-2020 period, imports decreased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Canada in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada's import structure for coniferous roundwood in value terms was highly concentrated, with the United States alone making up 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Canada in value, 2017-2020