The total exports of US hardwood lumber to the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region reached a value of $56.3 million and a volume of 71,761 cu m during the first three quarters of the year, according to recent figures.

The statistics which were complied by the American Hardwood Export Council (Ahec), a leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, from the latest data released from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), revealed an increase in value of 19.5 per cent over the same period last year and an increase in volume of 6.4 per cent.

The direct exports of US hardwood veneers to the Mena region also reached a total value of $22.5 million during the January to September period of this year, rising by 20 per cent from the same period last year, it said.

The most significant increases in shipments of US hardwood lumber were seen in Qatar (up 81 per cent), Lebanon (up 41 per cent), the UAE (up 26 per cent) and Jordan (up 20 per cent).

Meanwhile, a marginal downturn in shipments was seen to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Morocco. The UAE was the number one destination for US hardwood lumber during this period and was followed by Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt.

In addition, exports of American hardwood logs to the Mena region during the first three quarters of this year reached a volume of 28,232 cu m.

To read the whole article, click here