At the opening of the 2nd edition of the Saudi WoodShow, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, shares the latest data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which reveals a notable 11% year-on-year growth in the volume of exports of U.S. hardwood lumber to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in January to June this year. Shipments to the MENA region reached a total volume of 45,369 cubic meters and a value of USD 37.78 million during the six month period.

While direct shipments of American hardwood lumber to Saudi Arabia were marginally down on the same period in 2024, the total volume shipped reached 3,860 cubic meters. This volume was most likely supplemented by indirect imports of U.S. hardwood lumber through the United Arab Emirates. Red oak remained the key American hardwood species shipped to the Kingdom, accounting for nearly 70% of the total volume of direct shipments during the January to June period. However, there were also smaller volumes of walnut, ash and white oak in the mix.

Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director, said: “This will be our first participation in the Saudi WoodShow, having been an annual participant in the Dubai WoodShow since the very first edition 21 years ago. For the American hardwood industry, the Gulf region is increasingly important as a market for their high end hardwood products. The pace of growth in the construction sector and the scale of luxury projects has led to significantly increased demand for American hardwoods. It is important, therefore, for AHEC to be present at such an event as the Saudi WoodShow, where existing relationships can be strengthened and new ones can be made.”