The 2014 Southeast Asia and Greater China Convention of American Hardwood Export Council will be held in Tianjin, China from 25~27, 2014.

This year’s program focus is on the U.S. market conditions and the future of supply; and how, with an effective environmental strategy, American hardwood can meet future market demands for legality and sustainability.

Mike Snow, AHEC’s Executive Director, will open the convention with an overview on how AHEC’s programs are designed to drive demand and generate growth opportunities for US hardwoods around the world. Professor Scott Bowe from Wisconsin University will provide his independent view of the legality and sustainability of American hardwoods in the following session.

As well as hearing about growth opportunities for US hardwoods, Judd Johnson, Managing Editor of the Hardwood Market Report USA, will share his considerable knowledge of the U.S. hardwood market conditions and future of supply and will present his view of the challenges that the industry now faces and what the future holds. AHEC’s Sustainability Consultant, Rupert Oliver will discuss American hardwoods and the global environmental issues.

The afternoon session will start off with “Designing with American Hardwood” by Patrick Fong, who is a renowned designer with over 35 years’ experience in interior and furniture design and has completed projects from shopping arcades and hotels located in China and Southeast Asia. Following on Dana Spessert and Mark Barford from the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) will give an introduction to the Lumber Grading Rules and will discuss kiln dry certification. Thursday rounds off with a mini exhibition showcasing American hardwoods and a networking cocktail reception This is a great chance for Asian delegates to cement relationships with U.S. hardwood exporters and also meet fellow hardwood players from other countries.

There will be a half-day factory tour in the morning on June 27, 2014 organized by Tianjin Furniture Trade Association.

John Chan, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Greater China said “despite the recent global economic slowdown, China’s economy is still in an upward phase. According to a report at the Boao Forum for Asia in 2014, its economy could maintain a growth rate between 7 to 8 percent in the next five years and in these next five years domestic consumption would be playing a very important role to strengthen China’s economic recovery which would compensate the weak overseas export markets. Exports of US hardwood products to Greater China and Southeast Asia valued at US$1.13 billion and US$0.285 billion respectively in 2013”.