The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) on Friday (September 23) expressed its support for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union for commencing its provisional application. This agreement will immediately result in the elimination of quotas and tariffs of up to 10% on Canadian exports of wood-based panels and other wood products to the European Union.

"We welcome the provisional application of the agreement, as a start to freer trade within the area," CEO of FPAC, Derek Nighbor. "The prosperity of the forest products industry relies on strong exports, which CETA will help support."

Last year the Canadian forest sector exported more than $1 billion of wood, pulp and paper products to the EU member states. This is 3% of total exports of Canadian forest products making Europe the 4th largest international market for the sector. The largest importers of Canadian forest products in Europe are the United Kingdom followed by Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium.

FPAC looks forward to the benefits of having a progressive trade agreement with the European Union, including the Bilateral Dialogue on Forest Products that will help prevent non-tariff barriers, which will meet within the first year of the entry into force of CETA, and thereafter at the request of either Party or of the CETA Joint Committee.

"The sector is working hard to diversify its markets beyond the United States and we encourage the government to continue with its efforts to extend freer trade. Our industry has had consistent growth and exports with our Atlantic partners and we look forward to strengthening this relationship via the CETA," said Nighbor.