According to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPSA), in July 2025, Vietnam exported 602 tons of star anise with a turnover of 2.5 million USD, a 39.3% decrease compared to June. The main export markets include India with 290 tons, accounting for 48.2% market share, followed by Pakistan with 56 tons.
In the first half of 2025, Vietnam exported 9,276 tons of star anise, with a total export value of 35.7 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2024, the export volume increased by 14.3%, but the export value decreased by 8.3%.
Vietnam is currently one of the two largest exporters of star anise in the world, along with China, with an estimated annual production of around 10,000–12,000 tons, significantly contributing to the country’s agricultural export turnover.
Vietnam exported 9,276 tons of star anise in the first half of the year.
Star anise has high economic value due to its content of anethole essential oil, the main component that creates its distinctive aroma. The export price of dried star anise ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 USD per ton, and even exceeds 7,000 USD per ton when demand increases sharply in the international market. The main import markets for Vietnamese star anise are India, China, the Middle East, and Europe.
In terms of geographical distribution, star anise is mainly grown in the northern mountainous provinces such as Lang Son, Cao bang, Quang Ninh, and Thai Nguyen. Lang Son is the locality with the largest area of star anise, accounting for more than 70% of the country’s total star anise area. With its cool climate, suitable soil condition, and long-standing cultivation tradition, the Northeast region is considered the “heart” of star anise in Vietnam.
In 2024, a strong recovery was recorded in Vietnam’s star anise exports after a period of global economic fluctuations. According to data from the General Department of Customs, the export turnover of star anise in the year reached about 60 million USD, an increase of over 25% compared to 2023. This increase mainly comes from stable demand in traditional markets such as India, China, and some European countries, in addition to the expansion of exports to potential markets like South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
In the context of the increasing global demand for natural, organic, and plant-based products, star anise is a potential agricultural product for sustainable development. If adequately invested in deep processing, brand building, and market expansion, star anise products can bring higher added value, while also helping to increase the income of the mountainous people.
However, to achieve long-term effectiveness, the Vietnamese star anise industry needs to overcome challenges related to quality standards, traceability, and price fluctuations. The orientation toward developing raw material regions linked with sustainable processing and export will be a key factor for star anise to maintain its position in the international market in the coming time.