Wood imports from US & Europe to Middle East on the rise

Last year wood imports to the UAE topped Dhs8.5bn in 2007, from Dhs5.2bn in 2005.

As per statistics from Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation Dubai's total wood imports in 2005 totaled Dhs5.2bn. Overall, the market registered 25-30% growth per annum, with certain segments registering higher growth rates.

This growth augurs well for the hardware & tools industry in the region according to Epoc Messe Frankfurt organizers of Hardware + Tools Middle East, the region's largest event for power tools, hand tools, hardware, iron-mongery, workshops and woodworking machinery, scheduled to take place from the 25-27 May 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"Hardware + Tools Middle East provides the ideal networking and business platform for the regional trade, and an atmosphere conducive to doing business, as our event attracts decision makers including department store managers, importers, co-operative buying groups, specialist contractors, government & municipal officials, procurement officers and industry buyers and suppliers from the region,"

said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

Buoyed by the region's construction boom, US hardwood product exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached Dhs191.6m ($52,2m) during the first ten months of 2007, a rise of 32.3% from the same period in 2006 according to the United States Census Bureau. To further maximize the increased demand for US hardwood in the region, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the US hardwood industry is promoting their products in the region.

European woodworking exports to Middle East region on the other hand crossed Dhs894.3m (165m Euros) from Germany and Spain in 2007 as the Gulf states imported more woodworking machinery, tools for the woodworking, clipboard and veneers. Germany's woodworking exports to the region amounted to Dhs574.5m (106m Euros in 2007), while Spain's exporters managed to secure Dhs319.7m (59m Euros) deals last year. However, Spain's woodworking exports to the UAE remained high as it crossed Dhs65m (12m Euros) last year.

"Wood, timber and wood products, laminates, hard wood, veneer, parquet, plywood etc. are being imported at record levels in the UAE from Asia, Southeast Asia, the US and Canada," said Mr. Gavin Morlini, Senior Show Manager of Hardware + Tools Middle East exhibition.

"With the coffers of the UAE and Middle East nations full from regular oil price hikes, the governments of these countries have reinvested oil receipts in infrastructure projects resulting in a construction boom in the UAE and the Middle East," said Mr.Morlini.

He added imports of wood and wood based products in turn, resulted in requirement for all sorts of wood working machinery, hardware and tools for use by the construction, interior design, joineries in the country as well as the Middle East region. Thus, the Hardware + Tools Middle East expo is a much awaited trade fair to serve these industries.

"A number of wood machining firms, equipment suppliers, and woodworking tool manufacturers have expressed interest in this year's fair, and with repeat bookings from last year's exhibitors we have to significantly increase floor space for this year's exhibition to cope with the demand," said Mr.Morlini. "The Hardware + Tools Middle East exhibition will serve as a business link for the manufacturers and suppliers of hardware and tools and their buyers from the construction industry, joineries and carpentries in the UAE and the region to allow both sides to take advantage of the excellent opportunities that this market presents. This year Hardware + Tools Middle East will run in conjunction with four other shows; ISH Kitchen + Bath Middle East, Light Middle East, International CES/hometech Middle East and the Garden + Landscaping Middle East exhibition. More than 18,000 visitors are expected to visit the five shows over the three days.