The use of American hardwoods in Australia continue to grow
Figures released by the United States Department of Agriculture for the first quarter of 2015 show a 57% growth YOY in the volume of hardwood lumber exported to Australia and a corresponding 43% increase in value.
The growth experienced in 2014, a record year for exports to Australia, shows little sign of abating. American white oak once again is driving the increase accounting for 2,912 cubic metres in the 3 month period, an increase of 68% compared with the same period in 2014. American hard maple, whilst exported in smaller quantities, also exhibited an uplift of over 40% in volume.
Whilst building construction in both residential and non-residential sectors in Australia fell at the end of 2014 it scraped back into expansion in the first quarter of 2015 and sources suggest this was driven by the home building sector. And when it comes to American white oak, it continues to be the timber of choice for some of Australia’s largest construction projects including Melbourne’s Prima Pearl development (pictured).
Steve Napier of Melbourne’s Woodform Architectural explains:
"We have noticed a definite increase in demand for American white oak. We believe this is due to three factors – the rise in engineered flooring sales, flexibility in use and also higher desirability and interest driven by social media. We’ve also noticed the rise in other species such as maple as specifiers are drawn to its warmer tones”.
Roderick Wiles of the American Hardwood Export Council says “It’s encouraging to see American hardwoods continuing to be used so extensively in Australia. I think the fact that American hardwoods have very strong and proven environmental credentials makes them an easier choice for architects and designers than some other material options and this is certainly contributing to that growth”