The total value of US hardwood lumber shipped to Egypt from January to June 2010 rose 113 per cent to $6.1 million compared to the first half of last year, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).

At the same time, shipments of American hardwood veneer to the market grew by 25 per cent to $3.1 million, as a result of which Egypt has emerged as the top destination for American hardwood lumber and veneer in the Mena region, AHEC said.

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) this month, to discuss this growth and to help US 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.

“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 US 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.”

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  $9.3 million, or 41 per cent higher than during the same period in 2009.

Specifically, in the Middle East, US 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 $700,000, and were mainly destined for Egypt, Kuwait and Turkey, with a more limited amount going to the UAE.-TradeArabia News Service