How an ancient resin traded for centuries got snarled up by the Iran war

The ongoing conflict between Iran and its regional adversaries has severely disrupted the centuries-old trade of frankincense, an aromatic resin harvested from Boswellia trees, according to an April 9, 2026, report from NPR's All Things Considered. The war has created major logistical and security challenges for this ancient commodity, which has been a cornerstone of Middle Eastern commerce for millennia, by blocking traditional overland routes and endangering key shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The disruption extends far beyond a niche luxury market. Frankincense is a vital economic lifeline for communities in Somalia, Oman, and Yemen, where it is harvested. The resin is processed into essential oils, incense, and ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, creating a global supply chain that is now under threat. Exporters report that shipments are delayed, costs for security and insurance have skyrocketed, and the risk of piracy has increased dramatically, forcing some traders to abandon shipments altogether. This situation highlights how modern conflicts can unravel ancient economic and cultural fabrics. The frankincense trade, which once financed empires and defined the Incense Route, is now collateral damage in a 21st-century war. Analysts note that the instability threatens not only current livelihoods but also the preservation of traditional harvesting knowledge passed down through generations. The report underscores the interconnected nature of global markets, where a regional war can have ripple effects on a commodity with a history stretching back thousands of years.