Why did sandalwood attract foreign traders to Fiji in the early 1800s?

At the beginning of the 19th century, the discovery of sandalwood in Fiji sparked significant commercial interest, leading to a rush of foreign traders to Bua Bay on the island of Vanua Levu.1

Sandalwood was highly valued for its fragrant, yellow aromatic oil, which is found in both the tree and its roots. This oil is prized for its long-lasting scent and has been used for centuries in the production of perfumes, soaps, candles, and incense, as well as in various religious rites and folk medicines. Because of these diverse commercial applications, the wood became a major target for foreign exploitation, resulting in the depletion of accessible commercial stands in Fiji within little more than a decade.21