Valencia, Spain– The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) recently hosted 12 U.S. hardwood companies in the AHEC Hardwood Pavilion at Maderalia 2022, which was held here. This is the first time AHEC has held a pavilion at this show, and it is their largest pavilion in Europe this year.
In the early 2000s, Spain imported over $100 million of hardwood lumber from the United States, but shortly after the Global Financial Crisis that figure fell to under $20 million. Although the Spanish market is no longer the dominant force for hardwood exports, the country, along with the entire European region, has seen consistent increases over the past few years in their American hardwood consumption. With relentless AHEC promotion, Red Oak has seen an impressive rise in Europe, going from $9 million of Red Oak lumber exports in 2015 to $37.8 million in 2021. Through the first quarter of 2022, Red Oak lumber exports to Europe are up another 70 percent from last year.
At the Maderalia show, U.S. companies were able to network with local Spanish manufacturers and traders, as well as connect with buyers from across Europe who traveled to the event. Feedback from the companies in attendance has been positive, and AHEC is planning to attend this show again at the next edition in 2024.
If you are interested in attending AHEC pavilions or other AHEC events, please visit www.ahec.org for more information
