In 9 months of 2024, Vietnam exported 9,822 tons of star anise, valued at more than $47 million. This represented a 9.5% drop in volume and a 20.6% decline in export value. India still remained the largest export market of Vietnam’s star anise, importing 6,246 tons.
In 2023, Vietnam earned $83 million from 16,136 tons of star anise exports. India led as the largest market, accounting for 57% with nearly 500 tons.
Vietnam’s star anise: packing 1kg/bag
According to the World Spice Association, Vietnam is among the top producers of star anise, a prized and unique spice. Also, star anise mainly grows in Vietnam and China, making it a rare commodity.
Star anise is a medium-sized tree, 2-6 meters tall, with diamond-shaped foliage. It flowers twice yearly, with harvests in June and September.
The first flowering, “Four Seasons,” occurs in June, while the second, “Autumn Anise,” occurs from August to September. Star anise fruits ripen in September or April, with each harvest lasting 3-4 months.
Broken star anise from Vietnam
Trees over 5 years old start yielding fruit, with two harvests annually. From year 10, one hectare can generate up to $16,000 yearly. Star anise trees can produce fruit for decades.
Lang Son province is Vietnam’s largest star anise producer, with over 43,370 hectares, contributing 70% of the country’s total area. Of these, over 28,000 hectares provide stable harvests, yielding 7,500-16,000 tons of dried star anise annually.
Star anise factory in Vietnam
Vietnam is currently one of the strongest countries in exporting spices with the second position in the world in exporting star anise. According to economic experts, Vietnam still has a lot of room for developing spice products.
Last year, the total value of Vietnam’s spice exports reached more than 1.4 billion USD. This industry sets an export target of 2 billion USD by 2025.
In 2024, the weather forecast is still complicated, with the El Nino phenomenon affecting many crops. Therefore, the output of cinnamon and anise will be affected, especially in areas affected by climate change.
Vietnamese source: https://congthuong.vn/an-do-tiep-tuc-la-thi-truong-xuat-khau-hoa-hoi-lon-nhat-cua-viet-nam-354398.html