Vietnam’s cinnamon production now ranks first in the world, while star anise ranks second, after China. These products bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the country.
CINNAMON – A STRONG COMEBACK WITHIN 20 YEARS
Since 2018, the continuous increase in cinnamon prices has motivated farmers to expand the area. In 2018, Vietnam’s cinnamon area reached 109,368 ha and by 2023, it reached 186,000 ha. Yen Bai accounted for 47.8% and Lao Cai accounted for 33.3%.
This is the hottest growth period of the cinnamon industry and makes Vietnam become the country with the largest cinnamon area in the world. Also during this period, cinnamon production reached 4,852 tons in 2000, then increased to a peak of about 72,000 tons in 2023.
Along with pepper, Vietnam’s cinnamon exports also rank first in the world.
Since 2021, Vietnam has risen to become the world’s leading exporter of cinnamon. In 2023, Vietnam accounted for about 34.4% of the market share. The key markets for consumption are India, China, Bangladesh, and the US.
India is the major export market of Vietnam’s cinnamon with 42.6%, reaching 38,038 tons, up 14% over the previous year. Next, the US markets accounted for 11.4%, reaching 10,163 tons, up 7%. Bangladesh accounted for 6.2%, reaching 5,564 tons, and up 32.1%.
Before 2018, cinnamon prices continuously increased, creating favorable conditions for farmers to expand the area. However, in the last two years, the prices of cinnamon have decreased due to abundant supply from China and Vietnam, leading to a decrease in export prices.
Farmers are constantly advised not to expand the area of cinnamon, but to focus on improving the quality, especially controlling water sources to avoid heavy metal residues as well as prevent pests.
STAR ANISE – ONE OF VIETNAM’S KEY EXPORT ITEMS
Vietnam’s star anise ranks second in the world, after China, with an estimated annual output of 22,000 tons on an area of about 55,000 ha. Lang Son accounts for 72.7% of the area.
India and China are the two main export markets of Vietnam’s star anise, reaching 7,860 tons and 4,116 tons, respectively, accounting for 48.7% and 25.5% of the export market share.
MUCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHER SPICES
Chili is grown in many locations in Vietnam, with a total area of about 68,100 ha. The annual production of dried chili is about 100,000 tons. In 2023, Vietnam exported 10,173 tons of chili with a total export turnover of 20 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2022, exports increased by 107.4%. China and Laos were the two main export markets, reaching 8,651 tons and 1,108 tons, accounting for 85.0% and 10.9%, respectively.
Green cardamon and black cardamon also have much room for development.
Regarding ginger and turmeric, Vietnam exported 34,976 tons in 2023. The total export turnover reached 49.3 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2022, the export volume increased by 222.4%.
Green cardamon and black cardamon also have much room for development. In 2023, Vietnam exported 3,551 tons with a total export turnover of 27.4 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2022, export volume decreased by 36.5%, turnover decreased by 15.4%. The Netherlands, China, and the US are the three key importers of these items, reaching 923 tons, 756 tons, and 484 tons respectively.
In 2024, the weather is forecast to be complicated. The El Nino phenomenon may last until June. Therefore, the production of pepper, cinnamon, or star anise will be decreased, especially in areas much affected by climate change.
Ms. Hoang Thi Lien, Chairman of the VPSA said that the multi-year price increase cycle of pepper will start from 2024 (usually lasting 10 years). This is likely to affect other spices such as cinnamon or star anise./.