During the first half of 2025, eucalyptus oil prices remained under pressure due to a mix of global and local challenges. The market saw continued softness following the excess supply from previous quarters, especially from expanded hardwood pulp operations in Brazil and China. This increased production of eucalyptus-based products, including essential oils, contributed to the overall price stagnation.
In South Africa, the industry faced specific hurdles that compounded the situation. Limited access to rural extension services, particularly in remote farming areas, restricted output growth. Many small producers struggled with high compliance costs tied to national and international certifications. These expenses – ranging from organic labels to safety standards – made it difficult for smaller players to scale and meet export demands. Consequently, production volumes stayed low, keeping global investors at bay.
Moreover, the South African sector continued to focus primarily on exotic oils, despite having high potential for indigenous varieties. The lack of development in this area kept the product portfolio narrow, impacting competitiveness in international markets. At the same time, gender imbalances in technical roles limited innovation and efficiency, further slowing growth.
Though demand held steady in major export markets, stricter regulatory scrutiny such as recalls in North America added caution among buyers and distributors, slightly dampening confidence in eucalyptus oil exports.