During the final week of June, AHEC staged three workshops in southern India, during which Bob Sabistina – Grading Consultant to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) – was able to give an overview of species and applications before demonstrating how American hardwood lumber is graded to the NHLA standard. Starting in Mumbai on Monday 22 June, then moving to Chennai on Wednesday 24 June and finally ending up in Kochi on Friday 26 June, Bob Sabistina, was able to provide a practical demonstration of how American hardwood lumber is graded according to the NHLA standard to over 120 timber importers and end users, as well as some designers. Information was also given on American hardwood species, products and end uses. All three workshops were extremely well received by those who attended and the audience participation was good, with long question and answer sessions. These workshops always get a good response in India and hardwood traders, importers and end users are keen to learn as much as possible about American species and grading, while the market for US hardwoods continues to develop. The last few years have shown that interest in American hardwoods is increasing and that demand for imported temperate hardwoods is growing rapidly, as the furniture and interiors sectors are becoming more organised. AHEC firmly believes that India has the potential to become a key market for US hardwoods in the future and these workshops will continue to form a crucial part of its campaign to increase awareness and understanding.