Why Is Sandalwood So Expensive?

By Shruti Sanwariya

Rarity of Sandalwood Trees

Sandalwood trees take several decades to mature and produce high-quality heartwood, making them rare and contributing to their high price.

High Demand

Sandalwood is highly sought after for its aromatic qualities and uses in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine, driving up its market value.

Slow Growth

Sandalwood trees grow slowly and require specific conditions to thrive, resulting in a limited supply and increased cost due to the long cultivation period.

Regulations and Conservation

Strict regulations and conservation efforts to protect sandalwood forests limit the harvesting and trade of sandalwood, impacting its availability and price.

Labor-Intensive Harvesting

Harvesting sandalwood involves careful extraction of the heartwood, which is labor-intensive and requires skilled workers, adding to the overall cost.

Processing and Aging

Sandalwood requires time-consuming processing and aging to develop its fragrance and quality, further increasing its cost in the market.

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