The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing the committed U.S. hardwood exporters and the major U.S. hardwood product trade associations. AHEC runs a worldwide programme to promote the full range of American hardwoods in over 50 export markets.

From Washington, DC and six overseas offices, strategically located near key hardwood markets, AHEC conducts a worldwide promotion programme with activities in more than 35 countries. All programmes are run though the joint efforts of the U.S. hardwood industry and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to broaden the impact on, and outreach into international markets giving members the sharp competitive edge needed to meet the growing worldwide demand for American hardwood products.

AHEC Europe, established in London in 1988, serves Europe, providing promotional assistance and technical information on American hardwoods. AHEC recognises that no single hardwood company or association alone can promote its products intensively worldwide. Nor can it keep track of every critical international market trend and export opportunity and personally educate potential foreign buyers about U.S. hardwood products. But united in AHEC, they can.