Vietnam Star Anise Prices Hold Firm as Harvest Weather Stays Mild

Vietnamese FOB Hanoi prices for star anise are stable to slightly softer, with a narrow EUR-range between organic and conventional product and no sign of immediate breakout. Mild, showery weather in the key northern growing areas during the ongoing harvest window is supportive for yield quality but not yet tight enough to shift the market balance. Vietnam’s northern star anise belt around Lang Son is in its main harvest period from August to September, with trees benefiting from relatively cool conditions and intermittent light rain that favour essential oil accumulation and drying logistics. Recent export and trade data point to solid, diversified demand for Vietnamese origin, particularly into Asia and the Middle East, while EU interest remains underpinned by Lang Son’s protected geographical indication status. Short-term, balanced fundamentals suggest a sideways to mildly softer price path unless export orders accelerate or weather turns adverse.

Prices

Indicative FOB Hanoi levels currently cluster in a tight band, with organic Vietnam origin trading at roughly EUR 6.83/kg and conventional around EUR 7.65/kg, reflecting a modest quality and certification premium. The organic market has eased slightly from late-August levels, signalling some buyer resistance but overall orderly trading conditions.

Global shipment data for HS 09096110 show Vietnam remains a leading exporter of star anise, with recent Vietnam–India cargoes transacting around mid-single-digit USD per kilo, broadly consistent with current Vietnamese indications once converted to EUR. Export flows into South and East Asia remain the key price anchor, with boutique specialty buyers in Europe and the Middle East paying selective premiums for high-oil Lang Son GI-grade material.

Supply & Demand

Lang Son province, Vietnam’s key star anise hub, is in peak harvest, typically running August–September. Trees there produce high-oil, GI-protected pods that are primarily export-oriented, with domestic culinary use still limited. This seasonal influx of raw material is currently cushioning prices despite decent overseas buying interest.

Recent export intelligence for star anise (HS 09096110) shows robust global trade, with more than 2,400 shipments and Vietnam prominent among 18 exporting countries. India, China, the Middle East and parts of Europe continue to absorb Vietnamese supply, while Vietnam’s spice sector overall is enjoying strong momentum in 2026, as seen in rising cinnamon and other spice exports. This broad demand base supports a floor under Vietnamese offers even as the new crop arrives.

Weather & Harvest Conditions (VN)

Short-term forecasts for Lang Son, a representative star anise area, indicate mild temperatures around 21–31°C over 12–14 September 2026, with a mix of cloud, sun and light showers. Rainfall totals are modest (mostly light rain events), and winds are weak, limiting storm and lodging risk. Such conditions are generally favourable for both on-tree ripening and post-harvest drying when managed carefully.

No significant adverse weather systems are flagged for the next 3 days in the northern star anise belt. This points to steady harvest progress and limited near-term supply disruption risk. Consequently, weather is expected to be neutral to slightly bearish for prices in the very short run, reinforcing the current sideways tone.

Fundamentals & Trade Flows

Vietnam’s spice trade is benefitting from streamlined regulatory procedures for cinnamon, star anise and dried herbs, with updated 2026 guidance clarifying HS codes, plant quarantine and food-safety requirements. This supports smoother border flows, particularly for shipments via northern land crossings to China and seaports serving India and the Middle East.

Lang Son’s star anise holds both domestic and EU-level geographical indication protection, signalling high and consistent oil content and clean safety profiles. These quality credentials help Vietnamese suppliers maintain a premium niche in higher-value markets even as bulk trade remains price-sensitive. Together with strong overall agri-export performance in 2026, these fundamentals point to structurally healthy demand for Vietnamese star anise beyond the current harvest window.

Trading Outlook

• Near term (1–2 weeks): Expect a broadly sideways EUR price band for FOB Hanoi star anise, as harvest-swell supply offsets firm export demand. Weather is neutral, reducing upside risk.
• Buyers: Consider scaling into coverage on any brief dips below current organic levels, prioritising GI-certified or Lang Son origin for EU and premium-market programs.
• Sellers: Maintain offer discipline; avoid aggressive discounts while monitoring order flows from India and China that could quickly tighten availability post-harvest.
• Risk watch: Monitor border logistics with China and any sudden regulatory or quarantine changes that could delay shipments and temporarily pressure farmgate prices.

3‑Day Directional Price Indication (FOB Hanoi, EUR)

• Organic star anise: Stable to slightly softer bias; trade expected to remain close to ~6.8 EUR/kg.
• Conventional star anise: Largely stable around mid‑7 EUR/kg with limited room for near-term appreciation.
• Overall VN market: Sideways; no strong catalyst for a sharp move in either direction over the next three days, given benign weather and orderly harvest progress.