On December 10, WMCO hosted a timely and well-attended webinar, “Alternative Export Markets + Funding Programs for Canadian Wood Products,” bringing together approximately 50 Ontario wood manufacturers for a focused discussion on export diversification and risk mitigation.
With ongoing U.S. tariffs and shifting demand continuing to impact the sector, the session addressed the growing need for manufacturers to look beyond the U.S. market and pursue stable, long-term international growth opportunities.
The webinar featured expert insights from Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and Export Development Canada (EDC), offering attendees practical guidance on both market opportunities and the financial tools available to support export expansion.
Key Highlights from the Session
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Market Intelligence & Trade Pathways
Bill Macheras (Trade Commissioner Service) shared insights on priority international markets for Canadian wood products, buyer expectations, and realistic timelines for market entry. He also highlighted how the Trade Commissioner Service can support companies with market intelligence, connections, and on-the-ground expertise. -
Export Readiness & Risk Management
Lucian Mihet (EDC) outlined what manufacturers should consider before entering new markets, including assessing internal readiness, identifying capability gaps, and using EDC financing, insurance, and risk-management tools to de-risk early expansion efforts. -
Strategic Shift Beyond the U.S.
Speakers discussed how tariff pressures are accelerating the need for diversification and how international markets can provide more resilient demand for Canadian wood manufacturers over the 2025–2026 planning horizon.
The session concluded with a Q&A period, followed by the sharing of post-event materials and resources with participants.
Due to strong interest in the topic, WMCO will be offering this webinar again on January 15, 2026, providing another opportunity for members and non-members to gain insights into alternative export markets and available federal support programs.
WMCO thanks our presenters and all attendees for their participation and continued engagement in strengthening the global competitiveness of Ontario’s wood manufacturing sector.
“This publication has been produced with financial support from the Government of Canada’s Global Forest Leadership Program which supports Canada’s efforts to provide highly visible, practical and concrete responses to international requests for wildland fire and forest stewardship assistance while contributing to priorities of climate change mitigation and adaptation, gender, biodiversity, participatory development and knowledge for development.”
« Cette publication a été réalisée avec le soutien financier du Programme mondial de leadership forestier du gouvernement du Canada, qui soutient les efforts du Canada pour apporter des réponses très visibles, pratiques et concrètes aux demandes internationales d’assistance en matière d’incendies de forêt et d’intendance forestière, tout en contribuant aux priorités d’atténuation et d’adaptation au changement climatique, de genre, de biodiversité, de développement participatif et de connaissances pour le développement.’’
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