The February 2026 Market Report outlines current crop conditions, harvesting status, and evolving market trends for key essential oils and carrier oils. This month’s featured products are currently experiencing favorable growing conditions, production levels, and market positionings, however, unstable climate conditions threaten shortages in the future, especially if demand surges for specific oils.
Clementine Essential Oil has experienced extreme climate conditions and insufficient water levels, which pose a threat to future crop and oil availability. Meanwhile, overall crop size for Aniseed Essential Oil has slightly decreased since last year. Production yields for Organic Clove Bud Essential Oil are typically strongest in three-year increments, so this season’s yield is significantly less optimal, especially due to unfavorable weather conditions. As the two carrier oils featured this month, crop size and oil market conditions for Tamanu Organic Carrier Oil and Tamanu Virgin Carrier Oil (Vietnam) remain cautiously optimistic.
Continue reading to stay informed on the latest industry trends from the experts at New Directions Aromatics.
Clementine Essential Oil is cold pressed from the Citrus clementina peels grown in Italy where the harvest runs from October through March. This citrus fruit requires well-drained, fertile sandy to medium-textured soils, as well as mild winter and mild summer conditions to thrive. However, extreme climate patterns—particularly freezing winters, excessive summer heat, and water shortages—currently pose a challenge to citrus growers.
Production levels remain stable compared to the 2024/2025 crop, although a smaller proportion of harvested fruit has been allocated for oil processing this season. Market demand for citrus oils remains steady, and while no immediate shortages are projected in the next quarter, availability for Clementine Essential Oil may be tighter due to reduced processing volumes. Buyers are encouraged to secure volumes early since pricing discussions typically intensify toward the end of the harvest window.
Harvested in India between February and April, Aniseed Essential Oil captures the warm, licorice-like aroma of the Pimpinella anisum. This annual herb is a member of the parsley family (Umbelliferae) and requires a cool, dry climate during vegetative growth followed by warm, dry weather during maturation. Well-drained loam or sandy-loam soils are also ideal for optimal growth.
This season’s Pimpinella anisum crop is considered moderately favourable, although uneven weather conditions have led to a slightly lower yield compared to last year. Overall crop size is estimated to be 5–10% lower, with oil yield reductions averaging approximately 3–7% year over year. While the supply for Aniseed Oil is currently stable, there is potential for tightening later in the year if demand accelerates. It is recommended that buyers monitor pricing trends closely as the post-harvest trading period unfolds.
Clove Bud Organic Essential Oil is steam distilled from organically grown Syzygium aromaticum L. buds originating from Sri Lanka. Harvested between November and January, the Clove trees flourish in loam soils rich in humus and in humid, warm, tropical climates.
Since Clove production yields a strong harvest roughly every three years, this year’s crop is significantly below average (approximately 80% lower than last year), marking a substantial decrease in yield. Crop conditions have also been unfavourable, resulting in limited raw material availability. Consequently, shortages for Clove Bud Organic Oil are anticipated in the coming quarter due to the reduced harvest volume.
With supply constrained and demand steady, market conditions are notably tight. Buyers should anticipate upward pricing pressure and are encouraged to plan procurement strategies accordingly.
Originating from the Vinh Long Province of south Vietnam, Tamanu Organic Carrier Oil is cold pressed from organically grown Calophyllum inophyllum kernels. With multiple harvest cycles year-round, including a peak season between April and September, Tamanu trees thrive in bazan soil (red basalt soil) and in consistently sunny conditions.
Raw material production for Calophyllum inophyllum kernels are stable at approximately 200–300 metric tonnes per year, consistent with prior seasons. While crop conditions are currently favorable, farmers are gradually shifting to alternative crops or occupations that offer higher income, and the overall number of Tamanu trees is declining. Therefore, there is potential for Tamanu Organic Oil to experience shortages if cultivation acreage continues to decrease.
Tamanu Carrier Oil – Virgin, also sourced from Vinh Long Province, follows the same harvest cycle and agronomic conditions as the organic variety. Production for conventional Calophyllum inophyllum kernels remains stable at approximately 200–300 metric tonnes, with no change in yield compared to the previous season. As with the organic variant, the primary long-term concern is the gradual reduction in Tamanu tree cultivation as farmers transition to more profitable crops. Availability for Tamanu Carrier Oil is stable, although similar long-term supply risks apply, so strategic sourcing during peak harvest months is recommended.