Company Announcement - Total exports of U.S. hardwood lumber to South Africa reached a value of USD 5.40 million and a volume of 7,422 cubic meters during the first three quarters of 2015, according to the American Hardwood Export Council, the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry. The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), reveal marginal declines of 10 percent and 14 percent in value and volume respectively over the January to September period of 2014. Unlike lumber, direct exports of U.S. hardwood veneers to South Africa reached a total value of USD 3.47 million million during the January to September period of this year, rising by 35 percent in comparison to the same period in 2014.

A closer look at the statistics reveals that white oak continues to dominate shipments, but a wide mix of other hardwood species was also exported. With an aim to raise the profile of American hardwoods in South Africa, AHEC has announced plans to ramp up its strategy in South Africa in 2016 with education aimed at all elements of the ‘timber chain’, including specifiers (architects and interior designers), end users (furniture and joinery manufacturers) or importers and distributors. The aim is to organize educational seminars and workshops, which will revolve around educating attendees about the wide variety of American hardwood species as well as their important environmental credentials.

“AHEC is deeply committed to the promotion of American hardwood as a leading material of choice for the region’s interior design professionals. We are currently implementing key initiatives that aim to raise awareness of American hardwoods; enabling designers, architects and consultants to learn more about the advantages and benefits obtained from using them,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania. “Members of South Africa’s flourishing interior design community are constantly in search for wood varieties that offer key characteristics such as consistent quality combined with high aesthetic value. American hardwoods offer these qualities alongside strong environmental credentials as well.”