Exports of castor oil have seen a decrease of around 10 percent in the first five months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). The decline is largely due to reduced demand from China, which accounts for 40 percent of India's total exports. Despite this, demand from other parts of the world remains stable. India is the world's largest producer of castor and castor oil, with Gujarat being the primary producer. The harvest season for castor oil seeds has been extended due to an extended monsoon in Gujarat.