Connecting Ohio Hardwoods to a Growing Market in India

Just days after returning from a trade mission to India, Tim Sword was back at his desk-following up on leads, making calls, and connecting buyers with Ohio suppliers.

One of those connections quickly turned into something more.

Within weeks of the trip, Sword-Ohio's Agriculture Export Administrator with the Ohio Department of Agriculture-helped facilitate a meeting between an Indian hardwood importer and multiple Ohio-based companies. The result: a sale for one Ohio business.

It's exactly what the state's Agricultural Trade and Export Program is designed to do.

"This is the outcome you're hoping for," Sword said. "We can't make the sale-that comes down to price, quality, and fit-but if we can connect a buyer who's actively looking with an Ohio supplier who can meet that need, that's a win."

Sword traveled to Jodhpur and Bengaluru, India, in late February through early March as part of the Hardwood States Export Group, a coalition of 13 states working through the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). The Ohio Department of Agriculture is a member of AHEC, and Sword represented the state during factory tours and at the Indiawood trade show.

There, he collected roughly 40 leads from companies interested in importing U.S. hardwoods.

Follow-up is where the real work begins-and this year, it paid off. One buyer traveled to Ohio to meet directly with suppliers, resulting in a successful deal.

India is an emerging market for hardwoods, with growing demand tied to its expanding furniture manufacturing industry.

"India is kind of a new frontier for furniture making," Sword said. "A lot of the wood they import is used to produce furniture and other products that are then exported to markets like the United States and the European Union."

U.S. hardwoods-particularly those from the Eastern United States-are attractive to international buyers for their quality and sustainability. Unlike many parts of the world, these hardwoods are grown in privately owned, family-managed forests, creating a diverse, naturally regenerated resource.

The success of this trip also reflects renewed focus on international trade under the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Director Brian Baldridge championed the return of the Agricultural Trade and Export Program from the Ohio Department of Development in 2024, with a goal of strengthening global connections for Ohio producers.

Sword, who was hired to lead the program, says results like this are the product of strong partnerships.

"We're not doing this alone," he said. "We're leveraging resources through AHEC, Food Export, and other state partners to open doors for Ohio businesses."

And when those doors open, the impact comes back home-supporting Ohio companies, jobs, and communities.