US hardwood lumber, veneer and flooring exports to the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region have topped $55.1 million in 2008, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (Ahec).

This reflects a 19 per cent increase from the previous figure of $46.3 million recorded in 2007.

With aims of further increasing export volumes, Ahec will be hosting 20 US exporters under the American pavilion at the Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009, to be held from April 21 to 23 at the Dubai Airport Expo.

The American Hardwood pavilion will feature the most significant products being exported to the Middle East, including lumber, with a total of 48,698 cubic metres or $35.5 million worth of products exported to the region in 2008.

This figure has risen by 3.7 per cent in volume and 3.8 per cent in value – from 46,949 cubic metres or $34.2 million or in 2007.

In Bahrain alone, lumber exports from the US in 2008 have reached $498,000 (552 m3), while veneer and flooring shipments have reached $15,000 and $20,000 respectively during the same year.

Despite the global economic recession, Ahec officials are confident that prospects will improve greatly in 2010, particularly in the Middle East.

“Amidst the current downturn in the MENA construction sector, market trends are pointing towards a gradual recovery within the year ahead” said Roderick Wiles, Ahec consultant.

“Our participation at the upcoming Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009 is just one of the initiatives we are taking to ensure that we are at the best position to cater to the needs of regional customers once the market has fully recuperated and orders start pouring in,” he added.

“The participation of 20 leading hardwood manufacturers and suppliers will enable the American Hardwood pavilion to offer the widest display of products within the event, and we are confident that this year will be another successful participation for us.”

Ahec’s participation at the event is in anticipation of the renewed demand for wood products, with leading construction markets such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi posing exceptional potential to bounce back from the current slump in the latter half of 2009.

Exports to the rest of the GCC countries are also widely expected to remain stable, thereby prompting the organisation to maintain the current volume of products being shipped to the region.

In addition to showcasing top-quality wood products, AHEC will also educate trade visitors on buying, handling, storing and grading American hardwoods in a workshop at the event’s sidelights, which will also serve as a key networking opportunity for US hardwood suppliers and Middle East buyers.

“The stable movement of lumber, veneer and flooring products to the MENA region underlines the strong reputation of US hardwoods among regional customers,” said Wiles.

“By cultivating a strong reputation among high value clients based in the region, we are expecting to reap the rewards once the market regains its full verve, which we project to happen within the next two years,” concluded Wiles. – TradeArabia News Service