The UAE has emerged as the largest market for American hardwood lumber in the Mena region with over $5.39 million worth of imports entering the country during the first half, according to an expert.

'Over $1.54 million worth of American red oak was imported into the UAE from January to June of 2011, making up a large part of American hardwood lumber entering the country,' said Roderick Wiles, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania, citing data.
 
The jump in imports affirms the UAE’s position as a major user of this important commercial species,' he stated.

'This translates into more than 2,094 cu m of American red oak, which represents a 191 per cent increase in value and a 175 per cent increase in quantity as compared to the same period in 2010,' Wiles said citing American hardwood trade association data.

According to him, the value of American hardwood lumber shipped to the Mena region during the period reached $24.35 million.

In addition, the first two quarters have seen exports of US hardwood veneers to the Mena region increase by 15 per cent to $10.66 million, while exports of flooring increased by 5 per cent to $603,217 and logs by 4 per cent to $14.25 million, he stated.

He said the imports of American maple reached $869,766 or around 1,109 cu m, reflecting a 147 per cent increase in value and a 206 per cent increase in quantity.

'Meanwhile, imports of American white oak for January to June of 2011 figured at $811,985 or 1,184 cubic metres, which represents a 1,921 per cent increase in value and a 2,177 per cent increase in volume over the same period in 2010,' the AHEC chief added.

“The emirates continues to show strong and growing demand for American hardwoods and red oak in particular, which is widely preferred for its look, durability and strong physical properties, making it the perfect material for interior applications and furniture.'

On the Bahrain scenario, Wiles said despite the recent unrest, the Kingdom managed to demonstrate an appetite for American hardwoods with more than $161,000 worth of lumber imported during the first half.

The total value of imported American hardwood lumber dropped by only 3 per cent,' he pointed out.

Bahrain's move towards recovery is now being bolstered by more than BD614 milion worth of new construction projects.

'Bahrain's gallant efforts to reposition itself in the global market have been met with eager enthusiasm by local and global investors,' Wiles stated.

'They have started to key in major construction projects in the kingdom,' he noted.

'To date, the introduced reforms are helping create a more competitive market atmosphere for Bahrain, and the American hardwood industry is confident that this will lead to even greater demand for US hardwoods in the coming months and years,' Wiles added.-TradeArabia News Service