Shipments of lumber, logs and veneer totalled more than $12m last year.
Exports of American hardwood products to India reached a record level in 2025, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).
The trade body said the total value of US hardwood lumber, logs and veneers shipped to India last year reached $12.284m, based on the latest data from the US Department of Agriculture.
The figures were announced at the opening of IndiaWood, which is being held from 26 Feb to 2 Mar at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.
Strong growth in lumber shipments
Detailed figures show that the value of US hardwood lumber exported to India rose 37% to $9.98m, compared with $7.304m in 2024.
Export volumes increased even more sharply, rising 46% to 15,996 cubic m, up from 10,934 cubic m the previous year.
Direct exports of American hardwood veneers reached $891,000, while shipments of hardwood logs were valued at $1.413m, according to AHEC.
The organisation said its participation at IndiaWood aims to support growing demand in India. Earlier in Feb, AHEC also hosted a trade mission and networking event in Jodhpur, intended to strengthen links between American exporters and manufacturers in the city.
Oak dominates export mix
The most widely exported American hardwood species to India in 2025 were red oak, white oak, hickory, ash, maple and walnut.
Red oak accounted for $2.746m in exports and 4,758 cubic m of shipments, followed by white oak at $2.541m and 3,650 cubic m. Hickory exports reached $2.207m, while ash, maple and walnut recorded values of $788,000, $532,000 and $445,000 respectively.
The fastest growth was recorded in maple, with export value rising 175% and volume increasing 127%. Ash exports also grew strongly, rising 107% in value and 103% in volume, while red oak exports increased 37% in value and 46% in volume.
According to AHEC, the growing importance of oak is a significant development for the Indian market, with the species accounting for more than half of the value of American hardwood lumber exports to India in 2025.
Industry presence at IndiaWood
At IndiaWood 2026, the American Hardwood Pavilion showcases the range of US hardwood species and highlights the benefits of value-added processes used to produce kiln-dried lumber.
Eight US exporters are participating under the pavilion, alongside the Hardwood States Export Group.
The companies represented include Amos-Hill Associates, Baillie Lumber, Devereaux Sawmill, Hartzell Lumber, Kamps Hardwoods, Midwest Hardwood Company, Missouri Walnut and Wheeland Lumber.
Roderick Wiles, regional director for AHEC, said India offers significant opportunities for American hardwood across domestic and export manufacturing sectors.
“Our ongoing commitment to serve and expand within this market remains unchanged, particularly as demand for American hardwoods reaches unprecedented levels,” he said.
“This increasing interest requires a deeper understanding of the physical properties and application possibilities associated with the diverse species of American hardwood,” he added. “Our return to IndiaWood this year is in line with our aim to support the growth of this market throughout 2026, especially given the urgent requirement for alternative sources of hardwood lumber in India.”
