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By rdnewsNOW Staff

LARGEST U.S. LUMBER MARKET

Forestry and Parks minister championing Alberta lumber in Texas mission

Mar 31, 2025 | 4:05 PM

In an effort to strengthen partnerships and advocate for fair trade practices, Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, is taking a delegation of forestry industry leaders to Texas from March 31 to April 3.

The government says Texas is Alberta’s largest U.S. market for lumber and this trade mission aims to highlight the importance of Alberta’s high-quality wood products.

In 2024, Texas received $176 million worth of Alberta lumber, accounting for 17 per cent of its total lumber exports to the U.S., the province reports. Texas manufactures southern yellow pine lumber, while Alberta manufactures spruce-pine-fir lumber; both which are needed on U.S. construction sites.

During this trip, Minister Loewen and the Alberta Forest Products Association delegation are expected to meet with government officials, industry representatives and advocacy groups to reinforce the relationship between both regions and emphasize the need for fair, open markets.

“Alberta has built a long-standing and mutually beneficial trade relationship with Texas,” said Loewen. “Our wood products are vital to homebuilding and helping American businesses grow, and we are committed to ensuring this partnership continues to flourish.”

Loewen will be joined by two government employees and mission expenses will be posted online.

Itinerary

• March 31: Minister Loewen travels to Austin, Texas
• April 1: Meetings with Governor Greg Abbott’s office and Senator Charles Perry’s office, as well as meetings with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• April 2: Forestry Day at the capitol
• April 3: Travel back to Edmonton

This itinerary is subject to change.