Indianapolis, Indiana –”The Roller Continues: American Hardwood Exports in a Turbulent World:” was the title of a presentation by Michael Snow, executive director of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) during the 125th anniversary of the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA) Annual Convention and Exposition. The event was held here recently at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Approximately 1,200 people were in attendance at the convention.
Snow’s session discussed export trends and changes in economic conditions that impact demand for hardwoods as well as changing environmental policies in key markets that may change the ways in which the global timber industry operates.
In 1999, 84 percent of hardwood grade production went to the domestic market. Only 16 percent of hardwood grade lumber was exported and 0.4 percent was exported to China. In 2018 that domestic market made up 55 percent of hardwood grade lumber production. Twenty-six percent was exported to China and 19 percent was exported to the rest of the world.
China remains the world’s largest hardwood lumber importer from all sources. The next largest market is the European Union, then Vietnam, the U.S., United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Mexico, India and Japan.
China remains by far the largest U.S. hardwood lumber market, followed by Europe, Canada, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Japan, Middle East and North Africa.
The IHLA reported that it expanded the exhibit hall by more than 15 percent for this year’s event. Numerous speakers also gave presentations at the IHLA Convention with an emphasis on providing attendees with all of the economic and industry forecasting data possible.
In addition to AHEC’s presentation, others were as follows:
• Charles Marshall, of Pike Lumber Company, who welcomed attendees during the Opening Session.
• The Real American Hardwood Coalition, which updated attendees on its three-year plan.
• Purdue University representatives gave a presentation on digital forestry, focusing on the future of forestry and harvesting.
• Dr. Matthew Will, of the University of Indianapolis, who spoke about the uncertainty of the economy.
• Andy Johnson, of the Hardwood Market Report, who offered insight into the Hardwood market trends.
The traditional Tree Farmer Breakfast was also held, at which time Logger of the Year, Tree Farmer of the Year and Tree Farm Inspector of the Year are announced annually.
Next year’s IHLA Annual Convention and Exposition will be held Feb. 5-7.
Headquartered in Fishers, IN, more information about this organization is available at www.ihla.org.
AHEC is headquartered in Sterling, VA, and more information is available at www.ahec.org.
