Amid rising demand for American hardwoods in India, the American Hardwood Export Council will participate in MumbaiWood to promote US hardwood species and raise awareness of its American Hardwood Assured programme.
Total exports of US hardwood lumber and veneer to India reached $6.944m in the first half of 2026, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).
Data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed that hardwood lumber exports were valued at $6.428m, while veneer exports reached $516,000.
AHEC is set to participate in MumbaiWood, which will take place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from 18–20 Sep, as it seeks to support growing demand for American hardwoods in the Indian market.
US hardwood lumber exports to India increased by 9% in value year on year in the first half of 2026, rising from $5.894m to $6.428m. Export volumes increased by 13%, from 9,204 cubic m to 10,362 cubic m.
Veneer exports recorded stronger growth, with their total value rising by 55% from $332,000 to $516,000 over the same period.
White oak was the leading American hardwood species exported to India, with exports valued at $2.339m and volumes reaching 3,778 cubic m. It was followed by red oak at $1.668m and 2,632 cubic m, hickory at $986,000 and 1,287 cubic m, ash at $412,000 and 725 cubic m, and walnut at $389,000 and 331 cubic m.
AHEC said red and white oak accounted for more than 60% of the value and volume of American hardwood lumber exported to India during the first half of the year.
Alongside its presence at MumbaiWood, AHEC will hold an educational seminar in partnership with the Bombay Timber Merchants Association (BTMA).
The seminar will cover the American hardwood resource, sustainable forest management, production, kiln-drying, lumber grading and the range of species available. It will provide an opportunity for AHEC representatives to meet timber importers, wood-processing companies and furniture designers and makers.
AHEC will also use the event to raise awareness of American Hardwood Assured (AHA), an initiative being developed to provide assurance of the legal and deforestation-free status of American hardwoods.
“The Indian market for imported temperate hardwoods is developing quickly, and it is vitally important that both AHEC and the US hardwood industry maintain a regular presence there,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC regional director.
Wiles attributed the shift to several factors, including the growth of India’s furniture manufacturing sector, reduced availability of indigenous hardwood species, the relocation of furniture production for export from China and Vietnam to India, and rising disposable incomes.
“We are extremely confident that India will become a significant market for American hardwoods and our long-term commitment to this market is now stronger than ever,” he said.
