Citronella oil is extracted from a grass (Cymbopogon winteranus) native to Sri Lanka, Java (Indonesia) and China. The species Cymbopogon winteranus is used for the production of citronella oil by steam distillation.
Citronella is commonly used in soaps, candles, perfumes and other products in the cosmetic industry. It is also a plant based, non-toxic insect repellant, registered for this use in the United States since 1948. You will find it listed in many topical products.
As a perfumery ingredient it has been historically well represented due to its citronellal, citronellol and geraniol content.
China is the world's largest exporter of citronella oil (Indonesia being second). It is estimated that total world production of citronella is around 4,000 tons with China and Indonesia representing a 40% share of this volume.
Historically China has had a lower cost basis for this product and as a result is the dominant producer.
Based on unconfirmed data China's citronella exports can be summarised as follows:
Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
Quantity (MT) | 2200 | 1200 | 980 | 750 | 730 |
The major producers of citronella are China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Argentina, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and India. It prospers in tropical and subtropical conditions. Yunnan is the biggest producer of citronella in China. The southern areas of Lvchun and Yinjiang in Yunnan are the primary producers of the oil. Citronella plants have clusters of pink and purple blooms. The flowers are unscented, and fragrance comes from the leaves. In warmer climates, citronella blooms all year-round, while in colder climates it blooms from spring to fall. An annual rainfall of 2000-2500 mm and high atmospheric humidity favourably impact the quality of the harvest, and the resulting oil produced. At present, there is limited supply and considerable demand for the oil in the market. Even suppliers in possession of citronella oil are holding stock with expectations of further price increase. Others are only releasing stock to fund the upcoming National New Year. Overall, there has been a consistent rise in oil price.
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