Frankincense Trade Faces New Threats Amid Middle East Conflict

Frankincense, a prized aromatic resin harvested from Boswellia trees in northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula, has a history spanning over 6,000 years, predating crude oil as a leading export from the region.

Anjanette DeCarlo, an adjunct professor at the University of Vermont, notes its historical significance, stating, "The trade of frankincense is something that's well over 6,000 years old. Traded on the Silk Route into China and also, of course, brought into Europe, so widely used across the ancient world, right up till today."

Today, frankincense is primarily used as a health supplement, in anti-aging creams, and in perfumes, with thousands of tons exported annually from Oman, Yemen, and the nearby Horn of Africa. However, these exports are now facing significant disruptions due to the ongoing military conflict and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, impacting regional logistics.

A report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which surveys businesses across the U.S., highlighted these challenges. An unidentified wholesaler reported, "The U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran have created significant uncertainty for our Omani frankincense imports. Threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and rising war-risk surcharges are pressuring regional logistics costs, even for air freight."

Steve Miller, who oversees the ISM survey, views this comment as symbolic of the war's unintended consequences, emphasizing that such impacts can be significant and often unexpected within deep supply chains.

This situation exacerbates existing cost pressures for businesses, such as the frankincense importer mentioned, who were already dealing with higher costs due to President Trump's trade war tariffs. Miller points out that while oil is a primary concern, numerous other businesses are affected, and for products like frankincense, the region is often the sole source.

Beyond the current conflict, frankincense production faces other challenges. The majority of Boswellia trees grow in the wild, making them vulnerable to deforestation and over-harvesting. DeCarlo compares the situation to maple syrup production, explaining that trees require specific conditions and careful management to remain healthy.

DeCarlo, also the founder of the Save Frankincense Initiative, works with organizations to promote sustainable harvesting techniques. She believes the current conflict underscores the fragility of global supply chains and the importance of appreciating historically significant resources like frankincense, which humanity has long relied upon despite numerous past disruptions.