In April 2024, India emerged as the primary export market for Vietnamese star anise, importing 1,033 tons, which accounted for 69.8% of the total export volume. This marked a substantial 60% increase compared to the previous month.
According to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), Vietnam's total star anise exports in April 2024 reached 1,480 tons, generating over $7 million USD in revenue, reflecting a robust 48.3% increase from March. India and the United States were the top two export destinations, comprising 61.5% and 7.5% of the total exports, respectively, with shipments totaling 2,409 tons and 295 tons.
Market Performance and Trends
India retained its position as the leading export market for Vietnamese star anise in April 2024, with significant growth both in volume and market share compared to previous months.
Cumulative Performance in the First Four Months
From January to April 2024, Vietnam exported a total of 3,915 tons of star anise, amounting to a cumulative revenue of $20.3 million USD. However, there was a notable decline of 21.1% in volume and 34.6% in revenue compared to the same period last year.
Leading Export Enterprises
Key players in the star anise export sector include Prosi Thăng Long (823 tons), Nedspice Vietnam (235 tons), Tuấn Minh (199 tons), Hồng Sơn Vietnam (154 tons), and Senspices Vietnam (148 tons).
Agricultural Insights
Star anise is a perennial tree reaching heights of 2-6 meters, characterized by slender, tapered branches resembling a spindle shape. Its leaves grow in clusters of 3-4, are aromatic, and measure 8-12 cm in length by 3-4 cm in width. Optimal care and cultivation can lead to flowering after four years, with harvesting typically occurring between March and September.
Production and Geographic Focus
Vietnam boasts approximately 40,000 hectares dedicated to star anise cultivation, primarily concentrated in Lạng Sơn and Cao Bằng provinces, yielding over 16,000 tons annually. Vietnam, along with China, stands out as one of the few nations capable of producing star anise on a large scale due to favorable growing conditions.
Global Spice Export Position
Vietnam holds a prominent global position in spice exports, leading in pepper production and export worldwide, ranking first in cinnamon exports and second in star anise exports.
This overview highlights Vietnam's robust presence and strategic importance in the global star anise market, driven by significant export volumes and consistent market expansion efforts.
