Ya'll will notice that this video/discussion is about "Hardwood" lumber/timber. Just think of the concept of the ever-hated "Softwood" lumber/timber issue. That is where my background is, as I worked as a Millwright in that field.
And yeah, there's a lot more to it. I will say though, Japan pays GOOD money for PERFECT GRADE LUMBER. Key point here is "FINISHED PRODUCT". All they want is the bestest, and they pay dearly for it. And then that finished product is packed perfectly into a shipping container and sent to Japan.
When's the last time you saw a perfectly straight, no bark, twist, wane, knots, or warp lumber in your stack at the local yard? They pay cubic dollars for those perfect boards.
But as to the 'softwood lumber agreement'..... there are some American companies who're wanting to do to Canada the same thing that China is wanting to do to North America. Think about that for a minute.