Intermob trade show highlights potential of Turkish market for US hardwoods

AHEC, in cooperation with the Hardwood States Export Group (HSEG), hosted a large American Hardwood Pavilion at the Intermob show in Istanbul from 26 to 30 September. The pavilion included seven booths for US hardwood exporters, a booth for the NHLA and one for HSEG itself, as well as a large area for AHEC to demonstrate lumber grading and to display species samples and technical publications.

The Intermob show is for suppliers to the furniture and interiors sectors and included exhibitors from all over the world, displaying products from hinges and door handles to hardwood lumber and flooring. In its 12th year, the show was very well attended and visitors ranged from furniture manufacturers to interior designers. The American Hardwood Pavilion received visitors from all over Turkey, as well as from neighbouring countries and many of these were involved in importing or using wood products.

It was clear from the reactions of visitors to the AHEC stand, that American hardwoods are somewhat known and understood in the Turkish market already, but that more work is needed. Most visitors were familiar with ash, red oak, white oak and walnut, while few knew anything about tulipwood or cherry. It was also apparent from the visitors to the stand, that there is a ready acceptance of imported hardwoods in the Turkish market. Furthermore, while competition from European and African hardwoods is a factor, there is an eagerness to learn more about US hardwoods and how they might be suitable for the large and expanding Turkish furniture, interiors and flooring sectors.