The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, shares the latest data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which reveals a notable 8% growth in exports of U.S. hardwood lumber last year. Shipments to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached a total value of USD 73.1 million. In addition, exports of U.S. hardwood veneer to the region reached a value of USD 23.9 million last year.
The data highlights the United Arab Emirates, to which exports of American hardwood lumber jumped substantially last year. Total shipments to the market grew year-on-year by 48% in value to USD 18.8 million and by 49% in volume to 22,320 cubic meters. It is no secret that the UAE’s construction sector is booming with substantial growth seen from 2023 to 2024. Forecasters predict that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future and this is leading to a significant demand for wood in general and for premium hardwoods in particular.
Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director, comments “American hardwoods are well-established in the UAE and across all the Gulf markets, enjoying popularity amongst interior designers and architects. Their wide range of grains and tones make them suitable for a wealth of applications across interior joinery, doors, furniture and flooring and their quality and workability make them popular with the joinery manufacturers.”
Shipments of American hardwood lumber to Pakistan, Morocco, Lebanon and Algeria also showed some positive growth last year. In contrast, slight decreases were seen in shipments to Turkey and Egypt. Exports to Turkey declined by 19% in volume, totalling 12,354 cubic meters. This decrease is attributed to the global economic downturn, which has resulted in decreased demand for thermally-modified ash and red oak, of which Turkey is a major producer and exporter. To Egypt, shipments saw a more modest downturn of 5% in volume, reaching 6,322 cubic meters. The Egyptian market is still recovering from a major liquidity crisis and has been hit hard by the Israel-Hamas conflict and the reduction in Suez Canal traffic.
“The growth in U.S. hardwood lumber exports to the MENA region reflects the importance and popularity of these timbers in the joinery sector and the commitment of the American hardwood industry to supply them. AHEC remains dedicated to supporting and expanding their presence in these vital markets,” concluded Wiles.
