National Hardwood Magazine - October 2022

AHEC REPORT
BANGKOK – THE PERFECT PLACE FOR AHEC 25TH SOUTHEAST
ASIA AND GREATER CHINA CONVENTION THIS OCTOBER
As Thailand’s capital, largest city, and
economic and cultural hub, Bangkok is the
standout choice for AHEC 25th Southeast
Asia and Greater China Convention. On October
14th, 2022, the American Hardwood
Export Council will host their first networking
and educational AHEC Convention since
2019. This event, postponed for the last two
years, will include presentations from U.S.
Hardwood industry experts covering market
conditions and opportunities in the South
East Asian market, as well as presentations
targeting the local Thai industry to promote
the expanded use of American Hardwood
products. This one-day event will be held at
the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park on Friday
October 14th, right before the VietnamWood Trade Show
begins on Tuesday the 18th. With these two events, U.S.
Hardwood companies are able to visit a wide range of
potential customers throughout Southeast Asia in just
one week’s time. Registration for the AHEC SE Asia
Convention is complimentary for all AHEC members.
Over the last decade, Southeast Asia has had considerable
development in middle class incomes
and in the manufacturing sector. This growing
region will become increasingly important
over the next decade as a potential production
and end-use market for American Hardwoods.
This is the second time that Bangkok
will host an AHEC Convention, and representatives
from AHEC offices in the USA
and Hong Kong will be in attendance along
with 35 U.S. Hardwood companies and other
Hardwood trade members. Local representatives
from Thai industry bodies including
the Thai Timber Association and the Thai
Furniture Industrial Association are excited
to meet with potential suppliers of American
Hardwood products.
Thailand is the third biggest U.S. Hardwood lumber
market in the region, following Vietnam and Indonesia.
Exports of U.S. Hardwood products to Southeast Asia
were roughly $390 million in 2021, with over $18 million
to Thailand. Through the first half of 2022, all U.S.
Hardwood exports to Southeast Asia have grown by 10
percent and we’ve seen excellent growth specifically in
Thailand. U.S. Hardwood lumber exports to Thailand
have grown by 54 percent so far in 2022 from last year.
American White Oak continues to be the most popular
species followed by Western Alder, Ash, and Walnut.
American Red Oak is also gaining interest in line with
other regions around the world.
The event promises a packed agenda. It will include
presentations from U.S. experts and cover the most
Please turn to page 48
BY MICHAEL SNOW,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL,
STERLING, VA
703-435-2900
WWW.AHEC.ORG
18 OCTOBER 2022 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.org