Vietnam Star Anis Market Surges Amid Spiking Exports and Robust Global Demand

The star anise market is experiencing remarkable volatility and growth, with Vietnam at the center of this transformation. March 2025 saw Vietnam’s star anise exports skyrocket to 1,469 metric tons with an export value of $5 million, marking a massive 102.9% monthly increase. This unprecedented spike is largely attributed to surging demand from major export destinations, especially India, which imported 1,111 tons—a 5% increase from February. Over the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s total exports reached 3,495 tons worth $12.2 million, showing a 57.3% rise in volume and a modest 2.2% gain in value year-on-year. As global culinary and medicinal interest in star anise intensifies, Vietnam has cemented its status as the world’s second largest exporter, leveraging its dominant position in northern provinces such as Lang Son and Quang Ninh.

The sharp supply expansion is further empowered by proactive exporters like Agrideco Vietnam Co., Ltd, meeting growing international appetite, especially from India and China. With Indian consumer spending forecasted to surge towards $6 trillion by 2030, Vietnamese spice exporters are poised to benefit from long-term structural demand, creating ongoing growth prospects not just for anise but for the broader spice sector. Short-term price movements, fueled by speculative positioning and seasonal harvests, remain volatile, offering both opportunities and risks for traders and producers.

📈 Prices

Origin	Product	Purity	Organic	Location	Delivery Terms	Latest Price (€/kg)	Previous Price (€/kg)	Change (%)	Update Date	Market Sentiment
Vietnam	Anise star	–	Yes	Hanoi	FOB	7.20	7.29	-1.23%	2025-06-21	Stable/Mild Decline
India	Anise star	–	Yes	New Delhi	FOB	6.27	6.37	-1.57%	2025-06-21	Stable/Mild Decline
Vietnam	Anise star	–	No	Hanoi	FOB	7.80	7.90	-1.27%	2025-06-21	Stable/Mild Decline
Syria	Anis seed	–	No	Dordrecht (NL)	FCA	3.11	3.11	0.00%	2025-06-20	Flat

🌍 Supply & Demand

• Export Volumes: March 2025 exports from Vietnam: 1,469 tons (+102.9% MoM). Q1 2025 cumulative: 3,495 tons (+57.3% YoY).
• Main Markets: India (1,111 tons in March, ~50% market share), China (~25%), followed by Malaysia, UK, US, France, Japan, and Germany.
• Domestic Production: Vietnam and China dominate global production; Vietnam’s Lang Son and Quang Ninh are principal growing areas.
• Consumption Trends: Strong global demand for both culinary and medicinal uses, particularly in India where star anise is key in food and herbal sectors.
• Inventory Update: Higher export volumes have drawn down some inventories, yet rapid harvest cycles help sustain supply stability.

📊 Fundamentals

• Major Exporter: Vietnam holds the #2 spot worldwide for star anise exports, after China, and leads in pepper and cinnamon.
• Competitive Position: Vietnam dominates India’s imported anise/cinnamon market with over 80% share.
• Exporters: Agrideco Vietnam among leading exporters; growth via both direct sales and global e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon).
• Price Drivers: Seasonal supply, export demand surges, Indian market growth, speculative positioning, and e-commerce expansion.

🌦️ Weather Outlook

• Northern Vietnam (Lang Son & Quang Ninh): Mild, above-average rainfall in June supporting positive yield, but local authorities are monitoring for potential fungal disease risks creating sporadic supply tightness late summer.
• China: Growing regions report adequate moisture, ensuring consistent quality and stable short-term yields.
• Implications: As favorable weather continues, crop yield outlook remains robust for Q2/Q3 despite localized plant health risks.

🌏 Global Production & Stock Comparison

Country	Production (tons, Q1/2025)	Exports (tons, Q1/2025)	Global Market Share (%)
China	~6,000*	~2,800*	60+
Vietnam	3,495	3,495	30+
India	n/a	Major Importer	–
Other	~200	~100	<10

*Estimates due to lack of official data

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

• Expect stable to slightly firmer prices in Q3 as favorable weather boosts yields but lingering export momentum supports demand.
• Monitor Indian and Chinese demand, particularly as Indian consumer spending and pharmaceutical demand rise.
• Pursue opportunities in e-commerce to tap into non-traditional buyers.
• Watch for speculative buying around harvest/reporting periods, which can induce short-term volatility.
• Spot FOB prices remain attractive; organic Vietnamese star anise maintains a modest premium.

⏩ 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Origin	Product	FOB Price (€/kg)	Forecast Range (€/kg)	Sentiment
Vietnam (Hanoi)	Anise Star Organic	7.20	7.15 – 7.30	Stable
Vietnam (Hanoi)	Anise Star	7.80	7.75 – 7.85	Stable
India (New Delhi)	Anise Star	6.27	6.25 – 6.35	Stable
Syria (via NL)	Anis Seed	3.11	3.10 – 3.15	Flat