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South Okanagan Photos

Softwood lumber exports – bright spot in BC economy

Quick facts from the BC Government – Finance Department

  • Inflation in B.C., through the first ten months of 2013, remains low with consumer prices down 0.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.
  • Retail sales have been almost flat since early 2012, but have shown some modest growth in the past few months. Year-to-date to September, B.C. retail sales have increased by 1.1 per cent.
  • The B.C. housing market is going through a period of moderation from unsustainably high levels prior to the 2008 downturn.
  • B.C. exports have performed fairly well this year, with strong external demand for products. Year-to-date,  exports are up 5.2 per cent in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012.
  • The improvement in the U.S. housing market is benefitting B.C., with softwood lumber exports to the U.S. up 28.5 per cent, year-to-date to September, due to increases in volumes and prices. Exports of softwood lumber to China are also up year-to-date, 35.9 per cent, mainly due to stronger prices.