AHEC is all set to participate at INDIA WOOD 2016

AHEC is gearing up for INDIAWOOD as timber exports to India is expected to triple by 2021. Total exports of U.S. hardwood lumber to India reached a value of USD 1.63 million and a volume of 3,283 cubic meters during the first three quarters of 2015, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry.

The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), reveal an increase in value of 83 percent over the January to September period of 2014 and an increase in volume of 198 percent for the same time period. In addition, direct exports of U.S. hardwood veneers to India reached a total value of USD 664,000 million during the January to September period of this year, falling by 49 percent in comparison to the same period in 2014.

“Over the next decade, India is expected to become the world’s next substantial wood fiber import market (second only to China). Due to the scarcity of domestic timber resources, log imports in India have doubled since 2006 in order to meet the country’s growing appetite for wood products. Overall, timber exports to India are expected to triple by 2021,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania. “Following our successful participation at MumbaiWood earlier this year, and with the desire to increase the presence of American hardwoods in the Indian market, we plan to ramp up our strategy in India through INDIAWOOD and subsequently with education aimed at all elements of the ‘timber chain’, whether it is specifiers (architects and interior designers), end users (furniture and joinery manufacturers) or importers and distributors.” He concluded.

A closer look at the statistics reveals that around one third of shipments were accounted for by hickory, but a wide range of other hardwood species were also imported. Although still in its infancy in terms of market potential for kiln dried U.S. hardwood lumber, there are also signs that demand is picking up. With an aim to raise the profile of American hardwoods in India, AHEC have announced their participation at ‘INDIAWOOD 2016’, which will take place at Bangalore International Exhibition Center from February 25 to 29, 2016.

In addition to participating at the exhibition, AHEC also plans to host a series of educational seminars and workshops across India, which will revolve around educating attendees about the wide variety of American hardwood species as well as their important environmental credentials.