Middle East

The Middle East and North Africa, comprising 20 different countries, represents a growth market for U.S. softwoods. The region represents a $500 million market for softwood lumber, much of that currently being supplied by Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. Still, U.S. exports to the region totaled more than 20 mmbf in 2010 and SEC’s experience at the Dubai Wood Show indicates there is immediate interest in growing that market share, with over 90 trade leads generated.