Agarwood Essential Oil as a High-Value Export Commodity
Agarwood is globally known for its precious resinous wood, but beyond timber, agarwood essential oil (oud oil) stands out as one of the most valuable export commodities. Extracted through a meticulous distillation process, this oil captures the deep, complex, and long-lasting aroma that makes agarwood highly sought after in international markets.
Oud oil is widely used in the luxury perfume industry, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. Many high-end fragrance brands rely on agarwood oil as a base note due to its rich scent profile and fixative properties. In addition to perfumery, it is also utilized in aromatherapy, meditation products, and spiritual rituals.
Its high market price per gram, combined with growing global demand for natural fragrances, makes agarwood essential oil a strategic non-timber export product. Countries like Indonesia and other Southeast Asian producers have significant potential to expand production while maintaining sustainable cultivation practices.