A new study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that despite international CITES protections, the multibillion-dollar agarwood trade heavily relies on wild-harvested Aquilaria malaccensis and A. filaria — both threatened species. Researchers analyzed trade data from 2010–2020 and found millions of kilograms exported without proper documentation, particularly from North Africa.

A leading French luxury fragrance house introduced a new unisex oud-inspired collection in February 2025 featuring sustainably sourced agarwood from Laos, marking a significant move toward ethical luxury in the global perfume industry. European buyers increasingly demand FSC and CITES-compliant certifications, reshaping global supply chains.

Cambodia advanced a major agarwood restoration project in the Cardamom Mountains in July 2025, planting 50,100 Aquilaria seedlings across 35.5 hectares. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on wild harvesting and strengthen sustainable agarwood production. This long-term project will affect supply dynamics in 8–12 years as the trees mature.

Industry analysts now project the global agarwood market to surpass $67 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.51%. The agarwood essential oil segment alone is expected to reach $293 million by 2032. Natural agarwood oil commands over 77% of market value in 2025, driven by luxury perfumery demand in the Middle East and growing Asian collector markets.