Page 16 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - Third Quarter 2024

AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL
Creating Global Demand for American Hardwoods
By: Tripp Pryor, International Program Manager, American Hardwood Export Council
International markets are more important than ever, but how do furniture makers, architects, and importers all over the world know about our unique American hardwood species and how to use them? For over 30 years, The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has worked to promote U.S. hardwood products all over the world through educational workshops, design outreach, and direct networking
opportunities for American exporters.
AHEC, headquartered in Washington, DC with offices in London, Mexico City, Dubai,
Hong Kong, and Osaka, is the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, driving sales for U.S. companies who are interested in developing their global markets. Through outreach and education, AHEC works to create “pull” demand from specifiers — the people like architects and designers who make a choice to use wood products in their buildings or product lines. At the same time, AHEC provides opportunities for American companies to meet this demand through trade show pavilions, factory visits, and global networking events. AHEC receives funding through membership support, as well as from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, which sets aside money for international promotion of U.S. agriculture products as part of the Farm Bill.
AHEC has been at the forefront of international wood promotion, successfully building a distinctive and creative brand for American hardwoods. By recognizing the key role that design plays in the successful and innovative use of hardwoods, AHEC helps the American hardwood industry develop new opportunities by building a relationship with the global woodworking and design community.
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