The general feeling at the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s annual convention was that although markets were still tough, the worst may be over. A 9% growth in the value of American hardwood lumber exports for the six months ending July (compared to a year ago) particularly gave cause for optimism.

Some 800 delegates attended the event, the 115th annual "gobal gathering of the hardwood community".

NHLA president Dave Redmond reported that 37 Chinese companies had joined the association in the past year.

Industry consultant Michael Buckley, based in Singapore, was presented with an outstanding service award in appreciation of 25 years’ service to the North American hardwood industry.