According to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the total value of US hardwood exports to India reached US$3.247m in Q1 2023.
The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), were announced at the opening of furniture and furnishings trade fair interzum 2023 on 9 May.
A closer look at the numbers reveal that total hardwood lumber shipped from the US to India increased by 36% in value to $2.142m, up from $1.581m for the same time period in 2022, and by 68% in volume to reach 3,796m3, an increase from 2,262m3 for Q1 2022.
At the same time, direct exports of American hardwood veneers to the market reached $77,000, up by 38%. Lastly, exports of hardwood logs increased by 50% and 29% to reach 2,023m3 and $1.03m respectively.
The top five American hardwood species exported to India in Q1 2023 include ash ($744,000 and 1,377m3), white oak ($496,000 and 722m3), red oak ($276,000 and 499m3), maple ($281,000 and 686m3), and hickory ($249,000 and 292m3).
Significant increases were seen in the value and volume of exports of ash — 1,386% and 1,688 % respectively — and maple — 965% and 1,424% respectively.
According to AHEC, the increase in exports in Q1 follows a new record for exports of US hardwood lumber to India in 2022, with the total value of American hardwood lumber and veneer exported reaching $8.618m.
Together with 29 US hardwood exporting companies, AHEC has showcased its approach to hardwood communication on a stand of 370m2 at interzum. Visitors were privy to a diverse range of US hardwoods, their environmental credentials and unique qualities.
AHEC also highlighted the environmental strength of the US hardwood resource, explained the core drivers of demand for US hardwoods, and presented a range of applications and past projects all demonstrating the potential of these timbers.
