Castor requires near-term planning attention, though for seasonal rather than crop-failure reasons. October through December is the off-season for castor production in India, during which some factories close for annual maintenance for up to 60 days; the new production season begins in January. Buyers needing castor volumes before year-end should factor this production pause into their lead times. Looking ahead, sowing has just finished and the area under crop is similar to last year, but a rain deficit across major growing areas in Gujarat is a concern — the next 45 days of weather will be crucial, and a continued shortfall would affect yield on the coming harvest.

Castor grows in well-drained sandy loam soils and cannot tolerate waterlogging; it needs mild warmth to grow alongside a frost-free winter, with temperatures of 15–20°C over a four-to-five-week period. Total annual crop size sits at roughly 1.6–1.7 million tons. The recommended window to begin bulk pricing enquiries is March to May, as the new season’s material comes through. Given the current production off-season and the weather risk hanging over the next crop, high-volume buyers should order ahead of need and confirm timelines with our sales team.

⚠ Seasonal production pause (Oct–Dec) — order ahead; rain deficit a risk to the next crop

Sea Buckthorn has come in below last year, with yield down approximately 10–13% following a less favourable harvest driven mainly by weather conditions. Harvesting labour costs have also risen year over year, adding cost pressure alongside the reduced crop. That said, supply currently appears stable, and no significant shortage is expected in the next quarter. The single annual harvest runs from October through January, so this year’s crop is coming in now.

Sea Buckthorn is highly adaptable to soil type — tolerating calcareous, meadow and chernozem soils as well as relatively poor ground, with well-drained soil preferred — and performs best in full sunshine with a pronounced difference between summer and winter temperatures; it is drought-resistant but does best under moderate, well-drained moisture. The recommended window to begin bulk pricing enquiries is December through March. With a smaller crop and higher input costs this season, buyers with meaningful Sea Buckthorn requirements should secure volumes early to protect against any later tightening.

⚠ Crop down 10–13% — reduced harvest and higher costs; supply stable for now, secure early

Eucalyptus Globulus presents a broadly favourable supply picture, with no obvious shortage expected in the next quarter — stable raw material inventory supports continuous production. Raw leaf supply is running slightly below last year and yields have eased slightly, but neither is expected to disrupt availability. The one factor worth monitoring is tax policy in China: oil collectors must be able to issue invoices, which can constrain the pool of compliant oil supply.

Grown in China’s Yunnan Province, Eucalyptus Globulus favours well-drained acidic loam and sandy loam soils and a warm climate with sufficient sunlight and annual rainfall of 800–1,200mm. Harvesting runs year-round, with the peak leaf-collection period from November to March; the best time to inquire about bulk pricing is during peak collection, though timing can shift with market demand. Supply is dependable heading into the peak season, and buyers can plan their Eucalyptus Globulus requirements with confidence while keeping an eye on the policy backdrop.

✓ No shortage expected — stable inventory; monitoring China tax/invoice policy as a watch-item

Litsea Cubeba is in a comfortable position for the coming quarter. This year’s raw fruit output is comparable with last year, and with the annual harvest stock now released, no shortage is expected in the near term. The forward consideration for buyers is timing: supply tightness typically sets in before next year’s harvest, so the current post-harvest window is the easier period in which to secure material. General crop condition is stable, though heavy rainfall during the harvest can affect fruit quality and oil yield.

The crop is grown across the mountainous regions of Hunan, Jiangxi and Guangxi in acidic red and yellow soils of loose texture with good drainage (pH 4.5–6.0), under warm, humid conditions with adequate sunshine and annual temperatures of 16–22°C. The recommended window to begin bulk pricing enquiries is May to June, ahead of the harvest season. Raw material yield is essentially flat year over year, with pricing moving ±5–20% depending on market conditions. Buyers can plan near-term Litsea Cubeba requirements with confidence, while bearing in mind that availability tightens later in the cycle.

✓ No near-term shortage — stock freshly released; expect tightness before next year’s harvest

Organic Eucalyptus Radiata offers a stable and dependable supply picture, with no shortages expected. Crop size is similar to last year at around 12 hectares, and our supplier has reported no crop challenges or issues this season. Harvesting takes place across the non-winter months, from August through May, over multiple cycles.

Eucalyptus Radiata grows best in fertile, well-drained soil within subtropical to temperate climates with regular rainfall. Bulk pricing enquiries can be placed year-round. With supply steady and no disruptions on the horizon, buyers can plan their Organic Eucalyptus Radiata requirements with a high degree of confidence this quarter.

✓ Stable supply — crop in line with last year; no shortage expected