Just-released figures tracking 2004 word exports show that China has grown to become America's big customer for hardwood. The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) says that the value of imported U.S. hardwood products last year reached approximately $500 million. The figure represents a spike of 29 percent over the preceding year.

AHEC credits the rise to China's economic growth and new housing privatization initiatives. Each has "created a new generation of customers who are eager to outfit their homes and work environment with quality interior furnishings made with U.S. hardwoods," the AHEC notes.