The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has released new data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which highlights a 13 percent growth in exports of U.S. hardwood lumber (sawn timber) to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the first three months of this year.

According to the figures, shipments of American hardwood lumber reached a value of USD 17.71 million and a volume of 20,486 cubic meters during the period, representing a significant increase of 13 percent in value and 3 percent in volume compared to the previous year. This growth was particularly pronounced in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

The UAE just overtook Turkey to become the number one MENA destination in volume terms during the three-month period, with shipments of U.S. hardwood lumber reaching USD 3.96 million and 4,592 cubic meters. At the same time, Turkey’s imports of American hardwood lumber rose to USD 3.96 million and 4,133 cubic meters during the period. Exports to Saudi Arabia grew by 39 percent in value to USD 2.40 million and by 2 percent in volume to 2,645 cubic meters.

The MENA region has always been a significant destination for American red oak lumber and the first quarter of 2024 proved to be no exception. More than 55 percent of the total volume shipped during the three-month period was accounted for red oak, while the bulk of the remainder was made up of ash, white oak, walnut and tulipwood. Much of the ash shipped to the region during theperiod was destined for Turkey, where a number of large companies specializing in thermal modification of hardwoods are located.

Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director, commented: “The upward growth trend observed in U.S. hardwood exports to the MENA region is in line with market predictions. The buoyant construction sector in the GCC is driving much of this demand and we expect this to pick up further as the year progresses. AHEC remains committed to fostering long-term partnerships that drive the continued success of American hardwood exports to the region.”

“Using wood from sustainably managed forests, such as those in the United States, has an incredibly low carbon footprint and we hope that our efforts to promote and provide access to American hardwoods in the MENA region are helping architects, designers and manufacturers to work towards more sustainable practices,” concluded Wiles.