American Hardwood Export Council to participate at Dubai Woodshow 2006 as US hardwood exports to UAE touch USD 7.8 million

With the UAE becoming one of the largest wood consumers in the Middle East, exports of American hardwood to the country have witnessed significant growth, according to latest market figures.

The total value of US hardwood exports to the UAE was up 14.5 per cent to USD 7.8 million in 2005. Lumber constitutes the bulk of US hardwood exports to the UAE. Exports of American hardwood lumber and veneer to the UAE increased by 7 per cent and 90 per cent respectively, while flooring exports registered an astonishing 1,345 per cent jump in 2005.

Analysts attribute the remarkable upswing in US hardwood exports largely to the construction boom in the UAE. This conclusion holds true for other countries in the region as well, which is underlined by the fact that the total value of US hardwood exports to the Middle East was USD 45 million in 2005. The entire Middle East is witnessing frenetic activity in the construction sector, sparking the growth of the wood industry and transforming the Arab world into a major wood consumer.

"With temperate hardwood currently undergoing a renaissance in major architectural and design sectors throughout the world, it is only appropriate that Dubai Woodshow make its debut. The show provides a focused forum for exchange of ideas and information that will serve to strengthen and expand the regional wood market," said David Venables, European Director, AHEC.

"The Middle East has long been an important American hardwood consumer. AHEC recognizes the emergence of new market opportunities throughout the Arab world, and are looking forward to work with regional players to support and expand the Middle East wood market."

AHEC represents exporters among US hardwood companies and all the major US hardwood production trade associations. AHEC promotes the full range of US hardwood products and commercial species, and seeks to expand hardwood markets by providing the hardwood importers, specifiers and users with promotional assistance, technical information, and sources of supply for US hardwoods. At the exhibition, AHEC will showcase a wide variety of products including the hardwood floor, and will give a presentation on the Middle East market growth for American hardwood.

Dubai Woodshow 2006, to be held from April 10 to 12, 2006 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, assembles wood industry leaders from all over the world, having drawn participation from exhibitors from more than 40 countries looking to tap the fast-growing Middle East wood market.

Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director of Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the exhibition, said, "The presence of American Hardwood Export Council will be one of the highlights of Dubai Woodshow, given that the organization is the foremost international trade association for the US hardwood industry. Today, leading companies across the global wood industry are looking to the Middle East as the new growth market, seeking to tap the opportunities presented by the construction boom throughout the region. A highly specialized show like Dubai Woodshow will go a long way in helping to take advantage of this global interest in the Middle East wood market."

The products and innovations to be displayed at Dubai Woodshow 2006 include MDF, plywood, hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers, parquet, laminates, finished wood merchandise and paper products, besides molding machines, woodworking machinery and tools, accessories, components and auxiliary equipment for the worldwide wood and woodworking industry.

"AHEC is coordinating a major presence at Dubai Woodshow, marking the launch of a broader AHEC promotional campaign through Middle Eastern wood markets. Presently, much of the American hardwood products are making their way into the UAE via third countries in the Europe and Middle East. Through our strong participation at Dubai Woodshow 2006, we seek to change this scenario by increasing direct imports and strengthening our trade relations with the UAE," concluded Venables.

Other international associations and councils participating at Dubai Woodshow 2006 include Asociacion de Fabricantes Espanoles de Macquinaria (AFEMMA) - Spain; American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA); Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association; Federation of Indian Plywood and Panel Industry (FIPPI); Czech Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association (SVDSZ) and the Quebec Wood Export Bureau - Canada.