Compared with the same period last year, the export volume of Vietnamese exported star anise declined. However, Vietnam’s star anise maintained a high export value thanks to higher export prices. Meanwhile, demand from many emerging markets continued to expand.
According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), Vietnam exported 1,439 tonnes of star anise in May 2026. The shipments generated approximately USD 5.6 million in export revenue. Compared with the previous month, export volume increased by 5%, while export value rose by 4.2%. These figures indicate signs of a recovery in export activity of Vietnamese exported star anise.
In the first five months of 2026, Vietnam exported a total of 5,769 tonnes of star anise, with export earnings exceeding USD 22.8 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, export volume declined by 24.9%, while export value fell by 21.1%. However, the average export price reached approximately USD 3,898 per tonne. It was up about 4% year on year, helping to offset the decline in export value.
Vietnamese exported star anise
Citing data from the International Spice Association, Vietnam currently has around 55,000 hectares of star anise cultivation. The country produces approximately 22,000 tonnes of Vietnamese exported star anise annually. This makes the country the world’s second-largest producer of star anise, which produces about 90,000–95,000 tonnes per year.
Domestically, star anise is available mainly in Lang Son Province, which has around 40,000 hectares under cultivation. Next, it is Quang Ninh Province with 8,600 hectares, Cao Bang Province with 4,500 hectares, and smaller cultivation areas in Thai Nguyen Province. Lang Son Province alone accounts for approximately 87.5% of the country’s total star anise output. Thanks to its favorable climate and soil conditions, Vietnamese exported star anise is proud for its high essential oil content and distinctive aroma.
In terms of export markets, Asia remained the largest destination, accounting for 78.1% of Vietnamese exported star anise. However, demand from the region showed signs of slowing, with import volume declining by 31.9%. Notably, India—the largest importer of Vietnamese star anise—imported only 3,599 tonnes. This was down nearly 39% in comparison to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, Europe emerged as a bright spot, with export volume rising by more than 56% year on year to 413 tonnes. This growth was the result of stronger demand from countries such as the Netherlands and Germany. Vietnamese exported star anise to the Americas also maintained positive growth, reaching 816 tonnes. This represented an increase of 5.7% from a year earlier despite a decline in shipments to the United States.
Drying Vietnamese star anise
As one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of star anise, Vietnam enjoys a competitive advantage thanks to the high essential oil content of its raw material. This quality meets the needs of the food, pharmaceutical, and essential oil industries. However, most Vietnamese exported star anise is available as raw or minimally processed products. This limits value addition and prevents the industry from fully realizing its potential.
To improve export performance, many Vietnamese spice companies have invested in upgrading their processing technologies to meet international standards for quality and food safety. At the same time, the development of value-added products is likely to create new growth opportunities. They include star anise essential oil, natural extracts, and ingredients for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. It is also likely to enhance the industry’s value in international markets.
Vietnamese source: https://doanhnghieptiepthi.vn/xuat-khau-hoa-hoi-dat-hon-228-trieu-usd-trong-5-thang-dau-nam-161260701145945927.htm
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