Australasia's home for timber news and information

American ash and walnut imports rise

Recent exports of American hardwoods to Australia increased by 27% in value and 25% in volume in the first half of 2014 year-on-year. Source: Timberbiz

While white oak continues to be the most demanded American hardwood species in Australia, accounting for 85% of imports, ash and walnut also saw an increase.

Ash imports rose by over 407 cubic metres, almost three times more than in the same period in 2013, while walnut imports rose from 40 to 209 cubic metres.

“It’s always interesting to anticipate the trends in architecture and design through looking at the trade figures,” said Rod Wiles, director for the American Hardwood Export Council Oceania.

“Having just returned from Melbourne Indesign we saw some wonderful examples of Australian made furniture using white oak, ash and walnut.

“We also met with interior designers who were starting to discover ash and were enthusiastic about using it not only from an aesthetic perspective but also because of its strength and workability, which makes it very suitable for furniture and joinery.”