Imports of spearmint oil decreased 17 percent in volume and 3 percent in value in 1995. Cassia oil is derived from the bark of the cassia laurel, a plant related to cinnamon. Cassia oil has a stronger, less delicate taste than cinnamon but is less expensive. It is an important ingredient in some soft drinks in the United States. Although the volume was slightly less than in 1994, the value dropped by 16 percent, falling to its lowest point in the last four years.
China is the main supplier of cassia oil to the United States, followed by Japan.
Citronella oil, valued for its lemony fragrance, experienced a great increase in demand in 1995. China was the leading supplier, followed by Indonesia and India. Ceylon type is used to make toilet soap, household cleaners, washing powders, and aerosols. Java type is used in perfumery both in raw form and as the base for citronellal, a starting material in the synthesis of many fragrance compounds. Similar compounds synthesized from turpentine are often used as substitutes for citronella oil, so it remains to be seen if this increase in demand is sustainable, especially at current relatively high prices.