Camphor price index

Camphor price September 2026 and outlook (see chart below)

• India:US$1.8/KG, unchanged

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Latest market developments for Pharmaceutical API prices for September 2026

Camphor price index

This post is a summary of the Camphor price developments. The price developments of Camphorl are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Camphor price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Camphor prices is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Camphor prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Camphor
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Camphor prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Camphor market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

What is Camphor and what is it used for

Camphor is a strong-smelling, waxy, white substance obtained originally from the wood of the camphor tree, although most camphor used today is manufactured synthetically. It has a distinctive, sharp, medicinal smell and produces a cooling sensation when applied to the skin.

How is Camphor produced

Camphor is produced in two main ways: extraction from trees and industrial chemical synthesis. Today, much of the camphor used commercially is synthetic because it can be produced more consistently and economically.

Natural camphor — from trees

Natural camphor traditionally comes from the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), native to East Asia.
The production process is broadly as follows:

1. Harvest the wood. Camphor-rich wood and sometimes branches are collected.
2. Break the wood into small pieces. This helps release the volatile compounds.
3. Use steam distillation. Steam passes through the wood, carrying camphor and other volatile oils with it.
4. Cool and separate. The vapour is condensed, and the camphor-rich fraction is separated from the water and other oils.
5. Purify the camphor. Crystallisation, sublimation or other purification steps produce the familiar white camphor crystals.
Natural camphor can also be obtained from certain other plants, although the camphor tree is the traditional source.

Synthetic camphor — made in chemical factories

Synthetic camphor is generally manufactured from alpha-pinene, a natural chemical found in pine-tree oils and turpentine.

1. The main production stages are:
   Pine resin / turpentine: Source of the starting chemical
2. Alpha-pinene: 
   Separated by distillation
3. Camphene: Chemical rearrangement
4. Isoborneol: Formed through intermediate reactions
5. Camphor crystals: Produced by oxidation and purified

How large is the global market for Camphor and where is it produced

The global camphor market is a specialty chemical market worth roughly US$0.5–0.6 billion annually, according to several recent commercial market estimates. China and India are the main manufacturing centres, particularly for synthetic camphor

What is Camphor used for?

Muscle and joint pain

Used in creams, balms and liniments to provide a cooling or warming sensation and temporary relief from minor muscle aches, joint pain and strains.

Cough and cold remedies

Found in some chest rubs. Its vapour and smell can make breathing feel easier, although it does not actually clear the airways or treat the underlying infection.

Religious and cultural ceremonies

Burned as incense in some Hindu ceremonies and used in other traditional practices because of its distinctive aroma.

Insect repellent and household products

Used in some products intended to repel insects and moths. It has also been used in traditional remedies and fragrances.