According to data from the Customs Department, in August, the export turnover of leaves from Vietnam reached nearly 1.2 million USD, an increase of 13% compared to the same period last year. In the first 8 months of the year, the total export value was about 9 million USD, equivalent to 232 billion VND. This is an increase of 27% compared to the same period in 2024.
Among export items, cassava leaves continue to play a key role, bringing in nearly 3 million USD. What’s noteworthy is that in the domestic market, this item only costs 3,000 – 5,000 VND/kg; however, the export price can be up to 70,000 VND/kg in the retail market.
Cassava leaf currently has a stable consumer market in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and some Islamic countries. Here, this type of leaf is used in curries and stews due to its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content.
Exports of leaves brought in nearly 9 million USD.
Not only exporting raw materials, some Vietnamese businesses are developing products like finely ground, frozen cassava leaves to serve the food processing industry. This is considered a value-added direction, helping agricultural byproducts become a commodity with commercial value in the international market.
Notably, bay leaves saw the strongest increase, reaching 68.5%. Other products such as banana, lime, and sweet potato leaves also showed impressive growth, ranging from 20% to 80%, thanks to their diverse applications in cuisine, food processing, and natural packaging.
In 8 months of 2025, the leaves group accounted for nearly 5.3% of the country’s total vegetable and fruit export turnover. According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, although leaf products account for a small proportion of the total value of fruit and vegetable exports, they offer a “double opportunity” for Vietnamese agriculture, including effectively utilizing post-harvest byproducts and expanding into high-value, less competitive niche markets.
Vietnam has a significant advantage in natural resources with widespread commodity production, providing an abundant supply of leaves for export. However, to maintain growth momentum, businesses need to focus on standardizing harvesting, processing, and preservation procedures and building their own brands for each product line to meet the food safety and traceability standards of import markets. Even a minor violation can result in returns or a loss of market share.
In addition, brand building and diversifying deep-processed products (dried leaves, ground powder, frozen products, etc.) are important factors in increasing export value and reducing the risk of dependence on short-term demand fluctuations. This is a sustainable path that helps increase export value, limit risks, and affirm the position of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.