Record participation at MumbaiWood 2019 as well as seminars with BTMA and FORHEX demonstrated increased commitment to market development in India. Around US$4.59 million of American hardwood lumber and veneer were exported to India during the first eight months of this year, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). Source: Timberbiz
The statistics, compiled from the latest data released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), were announced at MumbaiWood. Confident of more growth in India, AHEC is participated at the show with a record 20 US hardwood and veneer exporters.
US hardwood lumber shipped to India from January to August of this year increased by 196% in volume to 2842 cubic meters and by 96% in value to US$1.65 million.
Close to a third of the volume shipped during this period was accounted for by red oak, which was not shipped to India at all in 2018.
Significant increases were also seen in the volume and value of exports of American walnut (88% and 117%), white oak (14% and 44%), hickory (131% and 42%) and maple (39% and 32%).
In addition, the total value of US hardwood veneers exported to India for the same time period was US$2.94 million – up by 19% in comparison with 2018.
“While traditionally a tropical hardwood market, log export restrictions in Gabon, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other tropical countries have forced Indian manufacturers to look for alternate wood supply sources. In the past, a favorable tariff structure has supported log imports, but the poor/inadequate level of processing by domestic sawmills has prompted the Indian trade to import higher volumes of lumber in recent years,” Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director said.
“The commitment shown by our members to participate at MumbaiWood and in our seminars with the Bombay Timber Merchants Association (BTMA) and with the Federation of Rajasthan Handicraft Exporters (FORHEX) is testament to their genuine interest and desire to do business in India.”
Following on from MumbaiWood, AHEC will head to Jaipur where to host a mini-convention in partnership with FORHEX. This follows a similar initiative undertaken earlier this year in Jodhpur and will include factory tours, a networking event and mini-convention.
