Why red sandalwood so expensive?

Red sandalwood, a highly demanded wood due to its scarcity, slow growth rate, and high demand, is among the world's most expensive woods.

Its unique aroma and medicinal properties make it a popular ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes, and traditional remedies.

It takes 10-20 years to grow and be found only throughout southern India.

However, because of overexploitation and habitat degradation, its population is declining, making it increasingly rare.

The Indian government imposes strict rules to safeguard remaining trees from trafficking, making it difficult and costly to obtain legally.