Wood imports to the UAE registered a dramatic 63 percent increase from that of two years ago according to trade industry estimates. Last year wood imports to the UAE topped AED8.5 billion in 2007, from AED5.2 billion in 2005. As per statistics from Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation Dubai's total wood imports in 2005 totaled AE5.2 billion. Overall, the market registered 25-30 percent growth per annum, with certain segments registering higher growth rates. This growth augurs well for the hardware & tools industry in the region according to Epoc Messe Frankfurt organizers of Hardware + Tools Middle East, the region's largest event for power tools, hand tools, hardware, iron-mongery, workshops and woodworking machinery, scheduled to take place from the 25-27 May 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. “Hardware & Tools Middle East provides the ideal networking and business platform for the regional trade, and an atmosphere conducive to doing business, as our event attracts decision makers including department store managers, importers, cooperative buying groups, specialist contractors, government & municipal officials, procurement officers and industry buyers and suppliers from the region,” said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. Buoyed by the region's construction boom, US hardwood product exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached AED191.6 million ($52,2 million) during the first ten months of 2007, a rise of 32.3 percent from the same period in 2006 according to the United States Census Bureau. To further maximize the increased demand for US hardwood in the region, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the US hardwood industry is promoting their products in the region. European woodworking exports to Middle East region on the other hand crossed AED894.3 million (165 million euros) from Germany and Spain in 2007 as the Gulf states imported more woodworking machinery, tools for the woodworking, clipboard and veneers. Germany's woodworking exports to the region amounted to AED574.5 million (106 million euros in 2007), while Spain's exporters managed to secure AED319.7 million (59 million euros) deals last year. However, Spain's woodworking exports to the UAE remained high as it crossed AED65 million (12 million euros) last year. “Wood, timber and wood products, laminates, hard wood, veneer, parquet, plywood etc. are being imported at record levels in the UAE from Asia, Southeast Asia, the US and Canada,” said Gavin Morlini, senior show manager of Hardware & Tools Middle East exhibition. He added imports of wood and wood based products in turn, resulted in requirement for all sorts of wood working machinery, hardware and tools for use by the construction, interior design, joineries in the country as well as the Middle East region. Thus, the Hardware + Tools Middle East expo is a much awaited trade fair to serve these industries. __
