Once with the booming construction and housing market in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena region), US softwood exports to the region have increased.
In 2015, total US softwood lumber exports to the Mena region reached a value of $20 million. Yet, American Softwoods (AMSO) hopes that the exports’ situation will improve, due to the fact that American softwood lumber exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) registered a 1,127% increase in January 2016 in comparison to the first month of 2015, according to Gulf Construction Online.
Moreover, the UAE still is a key timber processing and re-export hub for the region. The increase on this market is in line with the global increase in softwood lumber trade, which increased during the first 9 months of 2015, compared to the same period of 2014.
“The Mena region’s need for high-quality wood products for its construction, furniture, and housing markets, amongst others, creates widespread opportunities for us to assist in the growth of US softwood exports to the region,” said Charles Trevor, consultant to American Softwoods.
American Softwoods (AMSO) is a promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood trade associations, the Southern Pine Council (Southern Forest Products Association and Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association), the Softwood Export Council and APA – the Engineered Wood Association. More info here
