The earthquakes that have wreaked havoc in Chile over the past two weeks have provided an unexpected boost for the wood-processing industry in Quebec.

The South American nation, which was hit by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake on Feb. 27 and several powerful aftershocks, is a major worldwide exporter of products made from its fast-growing pine trees.

As Chileans work to clean up the wreckage, Quebec producers are rushing to fill the demand.

Even with Quebec's stepped-up input, North American producers will be hard pressed to fill the supply gap left by Chile, says Alexis Boulanger, manager of Roland Boulanger Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of wood moldings based in Warwick, Que.

"Almost half of what is consumed as wood products, wood mouldings and millwork in North America is made of South American supply," Boulanger told CBC News.

Boulanger said the increased demand will allow his company to hire additional workers.

But, the situation will also mean an increase in prices for consumers, according to Home Hardware, one of Boulanger's main clients.

The cost of mouldings and other items often made of Chilean wood will probably increase by 25 per cent, said the company's supply manager, Doug Shantz.

"A standard piece of moulding that's used around doors and windows that’s seven feet long that was until recently selling for $4 will soon sell for about $5 apiece," Shantz said.

The shortage of Chilean products could last anywhere from six months to one year as repairs are made to factories damaged by the quake as well as the road and port infrastructure needed to export the products.