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Israel, with limited domestic forests, imports the bulk of its
hardwood. Ohio supplies many species of hardwoods as both raw (logs, boards)
and secondary (veneer, doors, construction materials) products. U.S. wood
in general has a good reputation but is more expensive in the Middle East.
In recent years, Israel’s furniture manufacturing has become a
$1 billion a year industry. About half of the hardwood is used in furniture
manufacture, and another 30% is used for joinery. Israelis import about
$250 million of furniture annually. Israeli manufacturers export only
about $30 million worth of furniture, which has slowed because of increasing
internal demand, fueled by large influxes of immigrants.
Israeli furniture manufacturers can offer an advantage to Ohio because
Israel is the only country that has free trade agreements with both
Europe and the U.S. There still is a large unexplored potential for
export, and many Israeli manufacturers have a surplus capacity and are
looking for options of merger with strategic partners abroad. The Israel
Association of Furniture Manufactures can assist.
We have developed a prospectus describing opportunities and constraints,
and are exploring export opportunities with Ohio timber exporters and
Israeli importers, and are also exploring possible joint ventures with
Israeli furniture companies and cabinet manufacturers, especially for
veneer.
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