THE American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) says 2010 is set up to be a record year for American hardwood exports to the Middle East as export activity in the region has posted strong and significant increases.

Latest statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveal that the value of American hardwood exports for the period of January to September 2010 has grown to $75.621 million – a 53.9 per cent increase from the $49.135 million posted during the same period in 2009.

The figures also show that American hardwood exports to the UAE have increased by 99 per cent to $7.092 million in the first three quarters of 2010, reaffirming the country’s important role as the wood processing and distribution hub for the Gulf and beyond.

Underlining the increase in exports of American hardwood logs, lumber, veneer and flooring across the Middle East region, are key figures that show a 118.5 per cent increase in exports of American hardwood flooring from January to September 2010 compared to the corresponding period last year. During this period, there was also a 59.2 per cent increase in US hardwood lumber exports, a 55.5 per cent increase in hardwood veneer exports and a 42.8 per cent growth in log exports. Furthermore, industry analysts are upbeat that growth will continue over the next few years as activity in the construction sector is slowly picking up again; ably reflected in the resumption of stalled construction development projects and the launch of newer ones. The statistics also highlight increased growth in exports to other Middle East markets, such as Jordan (79 per cent), Saudi Arabia (65 per cent) and Egypt (116 per cent) for the same time period.

“During the first nine months  we witnessed strong growth in export activity across the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania. “Some experts are pointing out that re-stocking or over stocking are key reasons for the increase. However, the Mena construction industry, along with its complementing interiors segment, has also reported an increase in construction activity, both from stalled projects that have resumed construction and new projects that have just been recently launched. The US hardwood industry hopes to capitalise on this upturn and make sure that American hardwood products are available for these projects throughout the region.”

Building upon demand in the region, AHEC has launched strategic initiatives, seminars and programmes aimed at complementing the predicted growth.

AHEC has also announced its investment into what is probably the largest life-cycle assessment (LCA) study ever undertaken in the international hardwood sector, thereby ensuring appropriate and fair recognition for the environmental profile of American hardwoods.

The study will provide a life-cycle inventory data for sawn lumber and veneers of a selection of American hardwood species, as well as LCAs and carbon footprints for product groups such as flooring, doors and furniture, comparing them with products manufactured in alternative materials.