Vietnam’s Star Anise Export Statistics
According to the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), Vietnam exported 1,560 tons of star anise in May, valued at approximately $7.2 million. This marks a 5.4% increase compared to the previous month. Notably, India continues to be Vietnam’s largest export market for star anise, accounting for 61% of the total export volume with 951 tons.
Five-Month Export Performance
In the first five months of the year, Vietnam exported 5,475 tons of star anise, generating an export turnover of $27.5 million. This represents a 14.7% decrease in volume and a 29.9% decline in value compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, India remains the largest customer, importing 3,360 tons, followed by the US with 399 tons and Bangladesh with 140 tons.
India’s Demand and Vietnam’s Market Dominance
India is the world’s leading consumer of cinnamon and anise products and a major producer of medicinal herbs. Consequently, Vietnam dominates the Indian market, supplying more than 80% of its cinnamon and anise imports. Vietnamese cinnamon is particularly popular in India due to its high essential oil content and unique flavor. Additionally, exports benefit from preferential tariffs under the ASEAN-India FTA Agreement.
Vietnam and China are the only two countries capable of producing star anise in large quantities, thanks to favourable conditions. The country has an anise growing area of about 40,000 hectares, mainly in Lang Son and Cao Bang, with an annual output exceeding 16,000 tons. Additionally, Vietnam is a global leader in spice exports, ranking first in cinnamon and second in star anise exports.
The country’s diverse export markets include the US, EU, China, India, and the Middle East. As demand for medicinal herbs and spices grows, Vietnam’s position in the global market remains robust.