Egypt has emerged as the top destination for American hardwood lumber and veneer in the MENA region, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry. The total value of U.S. hardwood lumber shipped to the country from January to June 2010 recorded an increase of 113 per cent to USD 6.1 million versus the comparable period in 2009. At the same time, shipments of American hardwood veneer to the market grew by 25 per cent to USD 3.1 million. As part of AHEC's programme to support this growth in demand within Egypt's furniture and interiors sectors, Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania, has announced plans to visit local manufacturers, factories, partners as well as the Egyptian Furniture Export Council (EFEC) in September 2010, to discuss this growth and to help U.S. hardwood suppliers leverage the growing demand for American hardwoods across the MENA region.
Joining Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the largest consumers in the region, Egypt imported 9,240 cubic metres of American hardwood lumber, marking an 80 per cent rise during the January to June period of this year, with red oak emerging as the most in-demand among all species at 3,788 cubic metres. Other species to witness high demand during the first six months of 2010 were white oak, with a total of 1,456 cu. m. shipped and ash at 1,395 cu. m.
"Positive projections for Egypt's furniture manufacturing and exporting potential have drawn our attention more closely to this market and the extensive growth prospects it can afford U.S. hardwood lumber and veneer producers," said Roderick Wiles. "The burgeoning domestic furniture, flooring, door and interior joinery sectors are expected to continue to drive up demand for imported hardwoods for the foreseeable future. I am confident that, through this and subsequent visits, we will be able to forge a strategic collaboration with EFEC and the local manufacturers and partners to develop educational and promotional activities that will boost the confidence of Egyptian customers in American hardwood products and further increase market share."
Demand for American hardwood veneers in the MENA region has picked up during the first six months of this year, with total direct shipments reaching a value of USD 9.3 million, or 41 per cent higher than during the same period in 2009. Specifically, in the Middle East, U.S. hardwood veneer shipments remain dominated by red and white oak. Furthermore, direct exports of American hardwood flooring rose substantially during the same period, with shipment figures showing an increase of 109 per cent to reach USD 700,000, and were mainly destined for Egypt, Kuwait and Turkey, with a more limited amount going to the UAE.
"We feel that the Middle East-North Africa region offers huge potential for consumption of American hardwoods and that, within this region, Egypt is one of the key markets. Egypt's influence on consumption patterns in other parts of the MENA region is also key and we are going to make every effort over the next few years to ensure that we support the growth in demand for U.S. hardwood products through fostering strong ties with the market's wood processing industry leaders and organisations," concluded Wiles.
