AHEC gearing up for participation at FURNEX and Timber in Construction Expo in Egypt and Turkey in February 2016
Total exports of U.S. hardwood lumber to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached a value of USD 66.25 million and a volume of 81,402 cubic meters during the first three quarters of 2015, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry. The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), reveal an increase in value of 18 percent over the January to September period of 2014 and an increase in volume of 13 percent for the same time period. In addition, direct exports of U.S. hardwood veneers to the MENA reached a total value of USD 21.96 million during the January to September period of this year, falling by 3 percent in comparison to the same period in 2014.
With an aim to raise the profile of American hardwoods in Egypt and Turkey, which are seen as key markets in the MENA region, AHEC have announced their participation at 'FURNEX Egypt' and the 'Timber in Construction Expo' (YAF) in February 2016. AHEC's participation will help strategically reinforce the position of U.S. hardwoods as a favored material, mainly for interior joinery, flooring and furniture, and more importantly as key projects near their completion dates. In addition to participating at the exhibitions, AHEC will also be hosting educational seminars, which will revolve around educating attendees about the wide variety of American hardwood species as well as their important environmental credentials.
"All signs point to a record year for exports of American hardwood lumber and veneer to the MENA region. Assuming a vibrant last quarter, exports to the MENA region are on track to reach a record high this year and to break the 100,000 cubic meter mark. Overall growth in exports to the region was driven largely by shipments to the two biggest markets in the GCC - Saudi Arabia and the UAE - where construction and renovation activity is extremely buoyant. However, significant increases were also seen in U.S. hardwood lumber exports to Pakistan and Turkey, with the latter being driven, in the main, by increased buying of ash for thermal-modification," said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania.
About AHEC:
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing the committed exporters among U.S. hardwood companies and all the major U.S. hardwood production trade associations. AHEC runs a worldwide programme to promote American hardwoods in over 50 export markets, concentrating on providing architects, specifiers, designers and end-users with technical information on the range of species, products and sources of supply. In addition, AHEC also produces a full range of technical publications. For more information, please visit: www.americanhardwood.org.
© Press Release 2015
