Historic Drought Threatens Myrrh Supply for Global Perfumes

Walk through any high-end fragrance boutique in Soho or along the glittering stretch of Fifth Avenue in New York City, and you’ll encounter a scent profile that defines modern luxury: myrrh. It is that deep, resinous, and slightly bitter note that anchors some of the most expensive perfumes in the world. For the Manhattan shopper, the experience is one of pure indulgence, often culminating in a purchase of a bottle from a house like Tom Ford, Jo Malone, or Comme des Garçons that can cost as much as $500. But the distance between a luxury storefront in Midtown and the actual source of that resin is more than just geographic. it is a staggering economic and environmental chasm.

The Fragile Ecology of the Horn of Africa

The resin that fuels these luxury scents comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree, primarily found in the Somali region of Ethiopia. For centuries, this region has been a cornerstone of the global myrrh trade, supporting local incomes and maintaining a tradition of harvesting that dates back to ancient Egypt. However, the landscape is currently facing a crisis. Experts are describing a historic drought that is pushing these forests to the brink. The trees, which once formed dense, resilient forests, are now struggling to survive a devastating lack of water.

The pressure isn’t just coming from the climate. As the drought persists, starving livestock have begun to nibble on the trees, further compromising their health and ability to produce the prized resin. The situation is so critical that researchers have had to step in to quantify the damage. In January 2026, in the area of Dharaaye, Ethiopia, researchers Stephen Johnson and Sam Osborn conducted what are known as ecological transects. This rigorous process involves measuring quadrants, counting individual trees, and meticulously documenting the health of trunks and crowns to understand exactly how much of the forest remains viable.

The Opaque Path from Dharaaye to Manhattan

The economic reality for the people actually harvesting the myrrh is a stark contrast to the price tags seen in New York’s luxury districts. The resin is hand-harvested using traditional methods that, although protecting the trees and ensuring high quality, are incredibly labor-intensive. Despite the high value of the end product, the harvesters see almost none of the luxury markup. A kilogram of resin—roughly 2.2 pounds—brings in as little as $3.50 and as much as $10.

This discrepancy is the result of an opaque supply chain. Currently, most of the myrrh from eastern Ethiopia is purchased by traders from neighboring Somalia. This transit point adds another layer of mediation, and notably, Ethiopia collects no taxes on these goods, meaning the state sees little revenue to reinvest in the protection of the forests. To combat this, organizations like the American Herbal Products Association and the nonprofit Born Global have begun visiting these vulnerable sources. Their primary objective is to dismantle the reliance on middlemen and create a more direct market, ensuring that the profits flow back to the harvesters to support ethical supply chain insights and sustainable livelihoods.

The Growing Demand for Natural Remedies

While luxury perfume remains the primary driver, there is a shifting trend toward natural remedies globally. This increased curiosity about the medicinal and health properties of myrrh is adding further pressure to an already stressed resource. When global demand rises while the biological supply shrinks due to drought, the risk of over-harvesting increases, potentially accelerating the collapse of the Commiphora myrrha forests. This intersection of sustainable luxury trends and environmental collapse makes the work of the researchers in Ethiopia more urgent than ever.

Navigating the Impact in New York City

For those of us in the New York metropolitan area—whether you are a boutique owner, a fragrance formulator, or a conscious consumer—this global crisis highlights a critical need for transparency in sourcing. When a “natural” ingredient is listed on a label, the ecological cost is often hidden. If you are operating a business in the luxury goods sector or are looking to transition toward more ethical sourcing in the city, you cannot rely on generic wholesalers. You need specialized expertise to navigate these complex international waters.

Given my background in geo-journalism and supply chain analysis, if these sustainability trends impact your business or purchasing habits in New York City, here are the three types of local professionals you should engage to ensure your footprint is ethical:

Sustainable Sourcing Auditors

These are consultants who specialize in tracing raw materials back to their origin. When hiring an auditor in the NYC area, look for professionals who have specific experience with “direct-trade” models and can verify that profits are reaching the primary producers rather than being absorbed by middlemen in opaque supply chains.

Boutique Natural Perfumers & Aromatherapists

As the interest in natural remedies grows, you need formulators who understand the botanical chemistry of resins like myrrh. Look for experts who prioritize “wild-harvested” certifications and can provide documentation on the ecological health of the regions from which their ingredients are sourced.

International Trade Compliance Specialists

Since the myrrh trade involves complex movements between Ethiopia and Somalia, businesses importing these materials need specialists who understand the specific tax and legal landscapes of the Horn of Africa. Seek out consultants with a proven track record in East African trade regulations to ensure legal and ethical compliance.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated ethical sourcing experts in the New York City area today.