December 17, 2013, the U.S. softwoods industry scored a major success when the Government of Japan recognized U.S. Douglas fir as a “local species,” qualifying over 90% of U.S. softwood exports to Japan for benefits under a $500 million Japanese domestic subsidy program known as the Wood Use Point Program (WUPP). Though many nations, including Canada the United States’ largest competitor in the Japanese market, have attempted to qualify for WUPP benefits, the United States alone has succeeded. The U.S. industry accomplished this coup with support and guidance from the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Tokyo over the last 9 months. This accomplishment will improve the competitiveness of U.S. softwood exports in the historically important Japanese wood products market, which was worth nearly $800 million to U.S. producers in 2013.
U.S. Douglas Fir Gains Access to $500 Million Japanese Subsidy Program