Texas trade mission aims to highlight importance of Alberta’s continued access to vital market. Vitpho/Dreamstime.com

By Jayk Sterkenburg

ENVIRONMENT

Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks to advocate for fair trade practices in Texas

Mar 30, 2025 | 11:45 AM

A trade mission aims to highlight the importance of Alberta’s high-quality wood products and ensure continued access to the vital market, as Texas is Alberta’s largest U.S. market for lumber.

From March 31 to April 3, Alberta’s Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen and a delegation from the Alberta Forest Products Association will meet with key government officials, industry representatives and advocacy groups in Texas.

Alberta’s wood products play a critical role in supporting American homebuilders, infrastructure projects and businesses.

Texas received $176 million worth of Alberta lumber in 2024, accounting for 17 per cent of the province’s total lumber exports to the U.S.

The Association’s intention is to reinforce the strong relationship between the two regions — and emphasize the need for fair, open markets to ensure the industries continue to thrive.

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Loewen said in a statement Sunday that Alberta has built a long-standing and mutually beneficial trade relationship with Texas.

“Our wood products are vital to homebuilding and helping American businesses grow, and we are committed to ensuring this partnership continues to flourish,” he said.

Through the trade mission, Alberta’s government said it is working to create new opportunities for people and businesses in both regions.

By advocating for fair and transparent trade policies, Alberta’s government said it is working to ensure that the province’s wood product manufacturers remain competitive.

It said this will help to build a stronger, more sustainable future for communities in both Alberta and Texas.

In 2024, $3 billion of Alberta forest products were exported to the U.S., representing 72 per cent of Alberta’s total forest product exports.

These exports included $1 billion worth of softwood lumber to the U.S., $808 million worth of oriented strand board, $704 million worth of kraft pulp, and $457 million worth of primary and secondary forest products — including other pulp and panel products.

Texas sawmills manufacture southern yellow pine lumber, while Alberta sawmills manufacture spruce-pine-fir lumber.

Both types of lumber are needed on U.S. construction sites, and their availability allows builders to choose the best material for the job.