
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, announced the latest data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which reveals a notable 6% growth in exports of U.S. hardwood lumber to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the first half of this year. Shipments reached a total value of USD 34.93 million during the January to June period.
Significant increases were seen in hardwood lumber exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Exports to the UAE saw a remarkable 27% increase in volume, reaching 10,192 cubic meters. Saudi Arabia experienced an 8% rise in volume, totaling 4,472 cubic meters. Egypt also showed a positive trend with a 15% increase in volume, amounting to 3,651 cubic meters. These gains reflect the booming construction sector in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as Egypt’s gradual economic recovery after several challenging years.
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