BEIRUT: Lebanon’s appetite for lumber from the United States appears to be growing, having imported $1.34 million worth of the material in the first half of 2011, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).

“Lebanon has consolidated its position as a major market for American hardwoods and red oak in particular,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania said in a statement released Tuesday.

The association expressed confidence in Lebanon’s growing construction sector, as represented by an increase in construction permits, would help boost demand for U.S. hardwoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lebanon imported just over $1 million worth of American red oak from January to June 2011.

AHEC is the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, representing companies and trade associations engaged in the export of a full range of U.S. hardwood products.