Vietnam’s spice exports assert their position in the international market

Vietnam’s spice exports in 2025 recorded many positive signals, with several key products maintaining growth in both volume and value. These results demonstrate the adaptability of Vietnamese spice businesses and the remaining potential to further expand export markets.

As Vietnam entered 2025, the spice industry operated amid continued uncertainties in the global market. However, export performance in practice showed that the industry’s structure has gradually revealed sustainable advantages. Rather than broad-based growth, products with stable raw material areas, clearly defined supply chains, and leadership from large enterprises have played a pillar role. They have provided a solid foundation for the entire sector.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), Vietnamese star anise remained one of Vietnam’s key export products in 2025. Specifically, Vietnam exported 14,307 tons of star anise, generating export revenue of USD 58.7 million. Although export value declined by 8% compared to 2024, export volume still increased by 2.2%. This reflects sustained market demand.

Vietnam’s spice exports

India remained the largest consuming market for Vietnam’s spice exports. In 2025, they imported 9,896 tons of Vietnamese spices, accounting for 69.2% of total market share. This demonstrates the stability of traditional markets. Notably, exports to the United States reached 1,030 tons, surging by as much as 82.9%. This opened up opportunities in high-quality consumer segments.

Alongside star anise, cardamom and nutmeg emerged as the brightest spot for Vietnam’s spice exports in 2025. Total export volume reached 4,247 tons, with export value of USD 32.9 million. This represented increases of 24.8% in volume and 19.1% in value year-on-year. Also, it highlighted the high level of concentration in the export chain and effective market organization capacity.

Pakistan, the Netherlands, and the United States became the three largest markets. This reflected the flexible adaptability of Vietnamese enterprises to diverse technical and commercial requirements.

Conversely, several products recorded sharp declines, indicating clear differentiation within the industry. Chili exports in 2025 reached only 2,968 tons, with export value of USD 10 million. This was down 71.6% in volume and 60.2% in value compared to 2024. Laos, the United States, and Cambodia remained the main markets. However, the contraction in export scale showed intensifying competitive pressure.

Star anise from Vietnam

For the group of ginger, turmeric, and other spices, total export volume reached 28,054 tons, with export value of USD 61 million. Although volume declined by 5%, export value still increased by 2.4%. This reflects improvements in selling prices and product quality. Indonesia, India, and the United States continued to be major consuming markets.

Overall, the 2025 picture shows that Vietnam’s spice industry is gradually asserting its position in the international market. The growth of key products not only carries significance in terms of export value. It also lays the foundation for a sustainable development strategy, associated with enhancing value and brand positioning in the years ahead.