At the recent opening of the 21st edition of the Dubai WoodShow at the Dubai World Trade Center, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, shared the latest data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which reveals a notable eight percent 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 percent in value to USD 18.8 million and by 49 percent 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.
Exports of U.S. hardwood lumber and veneers to the MENA region reach USD 97 million in 2024
Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director, commented, “We have had a presence at the Dubai WoodShow since His Excellency Dawood Al Shezawi opened the first edition of this globally- important event 21 years ago. For many of our member companies – exporters of American hardwood products, such as lumber and veneers – this show is now an annual fixture. It offers the best chance for them to meet their customers from all over the Middle East and far beyond, as well as an opportunity for them to make new ones.”
AHEC Technical Consultant Neil Summers (right) consults with a guest at the AHEC U.S. Hardwood Pavilion booth at Dubai WoodShow.
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 percent 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 five percent in volume, reaching 6,322 cubic meters, while the market still recovers from a major liquidity crisis.
This year, the 162 square meter ‘American Hardwood Pavilion’ at the Dubai WoodShow hosted 13 U.S. hardwood exporting companies, as well as the Hardwood States Export Group. The individual companies in the pavilion were Baillie Group, BOSS Lumber, Frank Miller Lumber, Hartzell Hardwoods, Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales, MacDonald & Owen, Midwest Hardwood Company, Missouri Walnut, Moehring Group-Atlantic Veneer, Nina Company, Patrick Lumber Company, Penn-Sylvan International and Wheeland Lumber.
For more information visit ahec.org.
