The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region remains a key destination for American softwoods amid the increasing demand within the region’s booming construction and housing market, according to American Softwoods (AMSO).
The promotional partnership formed by three major US softwood trade associations is set to take part at the Dubai WoodShow 2016, which will run from April 4 to 6 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.
AMSO will underline the primary benefits of US softwoods, which are available in a wide range of grades and sizes and come from some of the most sustainably managed forests in the world, said a statement. According to AMSO, total exports of US softwood lumber to the Mena region reached $20 million last year.
Despite an overall decline in softwood exports to the region, primarily on account of the strength of the dollar, AMSO is optimistic that the situation will improve, given that the UAE registered a whopping 1,127 percent increase in the value of American softwood lumber exports in January in comparison to the first month of 2015.
Meanwhile, the UAE remains a key timber processing and re-export hub for the entire region and growth in this market is in line with an overall increase in the global trade of softwood lumber.
From Gulf Digital News: http://gdnonline.com/Details/74356/Mena-remains-%E2%80%98key-destination-for-American-softwoods%E2%80%99