Exports of American Softwoods to Turkey top USD 393,000 in the first half of 2015
September 10, 2015 – American Softwoods (AMSO), the promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood trade associations, has announced its participation in the 18th International Furniture Components, Accessories, Forestry Products and Wood Technologies Fair (INTERMOB 2015). The event, which will be held from October 10 – 14, 2015 at the Tüyap Fair, Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, will see the participation of eight U.S. softwood lumber exporters in addition to representatives from the Softwood Export Council. AMSO’s participation will encourage the use of American softwoods for both internal and external projects and increase awareness of commercially available species.
AMSO’s participation at INTERMOB is aimed at promoting American softwoods in the face of increasing demand for timber in Turkey and the wider Middle East region. According to the most recent statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Turkey imported USD 393,000 worth of American softwood lumber in the first half of this year. Historically, the United States has been an important supplier of softwood, comprised mainly of southern yellow pine. In recent years, Russia and Ukraine have become major sources for softwood for the Turkish wood products industry on account of lower prices due to their proximity and the ability to ship smaller quantities in lesser time.
“Although Turkey has the second largest forest area in the region after Russia and is the third largest producer of hardwood in the region after Russia and Romania, it still cannot meet demand for both hardwood and softwood. Wood processing plays a significant role in Turkey’s economy, especially for rural employment, with industrial wood production mainly geared towards the manufacturing of wood-based panels (plywood, blockboard, particle board, medium density fiberboard, high density fiberboard and oriented strand board) and pulp. Given the tremendous scope for further growth, we are looking to leverage our presence at INTERMOB Istanbul to further increase knowledge and exposure of American softwoods in Turkey,” said Charles Trevor, Consultant to American Softwoods.
At INTERMOB Istanbul, the American Softwoods pavilion will showcase the strength and variety of the different U.S. softwood species in addition to distributing technical publications on the applications of American softwoods. The show will provide a platform for the participating softwood exporters to interact directly with decision-makers in the wood industry and further promote the strength, flexibility, versatility and beauty of American softwoods. Participating companies include Elof Hansson, Mauvila Timber, Almond Lumber Company, Tumac Lumber Company, Ontario Project Management, Klumb Lumber, Robinson Lumber and Seven Seas Group USA.
“Participating at key events like INTERMOB, in addition to holding workshops and seminars gives us the opportunity to share the comparative benefits of U.S. softwoods with our intended audience of importers, traders, flooring, furniture and joinery manufacturers as well as the specifiers. Given that Turkish mills, wood panel and furniture industries have been using an increasing amount of U.S. woodchips, hardwood and softwood lumber in recent years, we anticipate a sustained growth in demand. Through our increased activities in Turkey, we hope to build awareness on the advantages of using American softwoods, not only in terms of quality but also amidst the widespread demand for proof of sustainability,” concluded Trevor.
About American Softwoods:
American Softwoods (AMSO) is a promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood trade associations, the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA), the Softwood Export Council (SEC) and the American Plywood Association (APA). The campaign encourages the use of American softwoods for both internal and external projects and increase awareness of its commercially available species. AMSO also works with the timber industry, providing technical information and assistance to develop the market for American softwoods.
Renowned for their strength, flexibility, versatility and beauty, American softwoods have been exported for almost 200 years. Harvested from sustainably managed forests in the USA, the success of forest management and conservation in the USA means that forested land is now greater than it was 75 years ago, and is increasing year on year. For more information, please visit: www.americansoftwoods.com