Mena remains ‘key destination for American softwoods’
DUBAI, March 18, 2016
The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region remains a key destination for American softwoods amid the increasing demand within its booming construction and housing market, according to American Softwoods (AMSO).
The promotional partnership formed by three major US softwood trade associations, is set to take part at the Dubai WoodShow 2016, which will run from April 4 to 6 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
AMSO will underline the primary benefits of US softwoods, which are available in a wide range of grades and sizes and come from some of the most sustainably managed forests in the world, said a statement.
According to AMSO, total exports of US softwood lumber to the Mena region reached $20 million last year.
Despite an overall decline in softwood exports to the region, primarily on account of the strength of the dollar, AMSO is optimistic that the situation will improve, given that the UAE registered a whopping 1,127 per cent increase in the value of American softwood lumber exports in January in comparison to the first month of 2015.
Meanwhile, the UAE remains a key timber processing and re-export hub for the entire region and growth in this market is in line with an overall increase in the global trade of softwood lumber.
According to Wood Resource Quarterly, softwood lumber trade increased during the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 and was on track to reach its highest level since 2006.
Charles Trevor, consultant to American Softwoods, said: “The Mena region's need for high-quality wood products for its construction, furniture, and housing markets, amongst others, creates widespread opportunities for us to assist in the growth of US softwood exports to the region.
"Amid the increasing calls for sustainability, we remain committed to addressing the long-term demands of the region and will continue to play a key role in providing stakeholders with key environmental data and technical information that can help them use American softwoods to their greatest potential."
AMSO has also announced its participation at the 'Talking Timber' seminar and networking evening, which will be held on April 5. - TradeArabia News Service
