HS Code:
Attar of roses, also known as rose oil or rose otto, falls under the broader category of essential oils and resinoids (HS Code: 3301.29). It is a highly concentrated fragrance oil extracted from rose petals, primarily used in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. The production process involves steam distillation or solvent extraction, with Bulgaria and Turkey being the leading producers due to their favorable climate and long-standing tradition of rose cultivation. Attar of roses is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world, often referred to as 'liquid gold,' due to the labor-intensive process and the large quantity of petals required to produce small amounts of oil.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 million
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain South Asian countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements in the EU and select Middle Eastern countries)
Growing demand for natural and organic products
Increased demand for attar of roses in premium and niche perfumery, driving up prices and encouraging sustainable farming practices in producing regions.
2021-2023
Rise of synthetic alternatives
Synthetic rose fragrances are posing a competitive threat to natural attar of roses, especially in lower-cost markets, potentially reducing trade volume for natural products.
2020-2022
Expansion of aromatherapy market
Rising consumer interest in wellness and aromatherapy has boosted the use of rose oil in therapeutic products, contributing to steady growth in trade volume.
2019-2023
Bulgaria launched a program to promote sustainable rose cultivation and improve yield efficiency in the Rose Valley, supported by EU agricultural grants.
May 2023
Expected to increase production capacity by 15% over the next five years, strengthening Bulgaria's dominance in the global market.
Turkey introduced subsidies for rose oil exporters to capture a larger share of the European market, alongside investments in modern distillation technologies.
January 2023
Likely to enhance Turkey's competitiveness, potentially challenging Bulgaria's market leadership.
Iran signed a trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to reduce tariffs on essential oils, including attar of roses.
September 2022
Facilitates increased exports to Middle Eastern markets, boosting Iran's trade volume by an estimated 10% annually.