Beijing, China, June 9--The 10th Southeast Asia and Greater China Convention of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) welcomed visitors in Beijing.
Focusing on architectural applications of United States hardwoods, the two-day convention showcases the usages of US hardwoods in flooring, panels, furniture and interior designs. It is the sixth time the convention has been staged on the mainland.
"China's rapid economic growth and new housing privatization initiatives have created a new generation of affluent consumers who are willing to decorate their homes and offices with quality furnishings with US hardwoods," said Michael Snow, executive director of AHEC, the leading trade association for the hardwood industry in the US.
China has become the No 1 destination for AHEC exports, said Theodore Rossi, chairman of the association.
Statistics released by the Trade Department of the US Ministry of Commerce indicate that hardwood export to the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan climbed by 29.2 per cent last year, exceeding 4 billion yuan (US$481 million).
The United States is one of the few major origins from which China imports hardwood as raw materials for its furniture industry. Others include Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
Even during the first quarter of last year when US furniture makers filed anti-dumping lawsuits against Chinese bedroom hardwood furniture manufacturers, US lumber exports to China still grew by 15 per cent year-on-year, said Rossi.
"They (the anti-dumping charges) had a short-term, negative impact on a few Chinese furniture makers; the overall impact is insignificant," explained Chan Jick Chun, AHEC regional director for Southeast Asia and the Greater China.
He cited official figures that show China's furniture exports to the US increased by 34 per cent last year.
Commenting on constant price rises of hardwood that China had imported from Southeast Asian countries, Snow said the US hardwood supply has been relatively stable, and AHEC ensures the finest quality from sustainable sources for importers.
