Total value of American hardwood logs, lumber and veneer exported in the first three quarters of this year reached USD 10.45 million

Total exports of U.S. hardwood logs, lumber and veneer to India in the first three quarters of 2025 reached USD 10.45 million, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry. Statistics compiled from the latest data released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that U.S. hardwood lumber exports to India reached USD 8.501 million whilst U.S. hardwood veneer exports were valued at USD 694,000. In addition, USD 1.258 million worth of American hardwood logs were imported into the country during the same time period.

According to the data, total hardwood lumber shipped from the United States to India increased by 57 percent in value and 69 percent in volume to reach USD 8.501 million (up from USD 5.410 million) and 13,529m3 (up from 8,013m3) respectively. The top six U.S. hardwood species exported to India in the first nine months of this year were white oak (USD 2.46 million and 3,537m3), red oak (USD 2.456 million and 4,256m3), hickory (USD 1.517 million and 1,941m3), ash (USD 582,000 and 1,083m3), tulipwood (USD 430,000 and 950m3), and walnut (USD 430,000 and 454m3). The biggest increases were seen in tulipwood, maple, western red alder and maple exports to India.

"The total value of U.S. hardwood lumber exported into India in the first three quarters of this year has already surpassed the total from last year, driven by booming demand for species like the oaks, hickory, and tulipwood. This signals a robust market shift towards American hardwoods in India's growing furniture and design sectors," stated Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director.

There some uncertainty surrounding the tariffs by America and the impending impact of EUDR regulations on Indian furniture and handicraft exporters, but the domestic market is where the real growth in American hardwoods is taking place. Indian buyers are increasingly choosing value-added lumber over raw logs, a trend accelerating since the pandemic. This coupled with a rising middle-class, increased disposable income, and expansion in hospitality/corporate sectors has fueled the demand for quality furniture and interiors. More importantly, American red and white oak are becoming staples due to their visual appeal and suitability for modern applications like furniture, flooring, and joinery.

"The wood furniture segment in India is expected to reach USD 18.59 billion in 2025. With Indian manufacturers moving towards importing processed, kiln-dried lumber for better quality and efficiency and the growing gap between domestic timber availability and demand, now is the time for U.S. hardwoods to really enter this market in greater volumes. Looking ahead, we anticipate even more growth for American hardwoods in India as specifiers and private consumers turn to the grain patterns of oak and ash, the richness of walnut and the clarity of maple whilst the fashion for teak and other dark red tropical hardwoods declines," concluded Wiles.