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Total exports of U.S. softwood lumber to India reached a value of USD 24.25 million in 2017, according to American Softwoods (AMSO), the promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood trade associations. The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), reveal a whopping increase in value of 165 percent over 2016 figures. The announcement was made following AMSO's successful participation at INDIAWOOD 2018, which ran from March 8 - 12, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Center. Aiming to increase market share and raise awareness about the different American softwood species, AMSO was present at the show along with nine U.S.-based softwood exporters, who are all interested to do business in India.

A closer look at the numbers revealed that exports of Southern Yellow Pine jumped from USD 5.997 million in 2016 to USD 20.624 million last year whilst the value of Lodgepole Pine exports increased from USD 7,000 to USD 1.203 million in the same time frame. In terms of species, Southern Yellow Pine dominated exports accounting for approximately 85 percent of all U.S. softwood lumber exports to the country. American softwoods have many uses including concrete forming; structural uses including wood framing for residential and light commercial buildings up to five storeys high; outdoor uses such as walkways, bridges, cladding, decks, marinas, and playground equipment; and in joinery for windows and doors, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, molding, paneling and staircases.

“Demand for timber in India and globally is on the rise; in fact, India's organized furniture industry is expected to grow 20 percent per annum over the next few years and is projected to cross USD 32 billion by 2019. Further, the online home décor market in India is also projected to grow at a CAGR of 50.42 percent in revenue over the period 2014-2019 whilst the luxury furniture market is expected to garner USD 27.01 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 4.1 percent during the forecast period 2015-2020,” said Charles Trevor, Consultant to American Softwoods. “Our role is to help specifiers and other decision-makers to develop a greater understanding of wood as a viable, suitable and environmentally-friendly material for numerous applications, which should, in time, lead to greater use of this wonderful and sustainable resource.