Taiwan Boosts Imports of Vietnam’s Star Anise by 169% in 2024

In the first eight months of 2024, Taiwan (China) emerged as the third-largest importer of Vietnamese star anise, purchasing 301 tons—an impressive 169% increase compared to the same period in 2023! At VGE (VietGlobal Export), we’re excited to share the latest update on the booming demand for one of Vietnam’s most fragrant spices: star anise. 

Vietnam’s Star Anise Export Performance in 2024

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), Vietnam exported 1,146 tons of star anise in August, valued at $5.4 million. While this represented a 31% decrease from the previous month, the year-to-date export numbers tell a different story. By the end of August, Vietnam had exported 9,831 tons of star anise, generating $47.3 million in revenue. Though these figures represent a slight decrease of 1.7% in volume and 17.8% in value compared to last year, the market remains robust.

India continues to lead as the largest importer of Vietnamese star anise, with 6,083 tons imported—a 6.3% increase from 2023. The U.S. came in second, importing 694 tons (up 8.4%), while Taiwan’s sharp rise to the third spot with 301 tons underscores the growing global demand for this valuable spice.

Why Star Anise is in High Demand

Star anise is a highly prized spice due to its aromatic qualities and versatility in both culinary and medicinal uses. It’s no wonder that India, the world’s largest consumer of star anise, imports over 80% of its star anise supply from Vietnam. India’s demand is driven not just by the spice’s use in food, but also its role in traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Vietnam’s star anise production is concentrated in the northern provinces of Lang Son and Cao Bang with an annual yield of over 16,000 tons. These areas have become renowned for producing high-quality star anise, and Lang Son is often referred to as the “capital” of star anise in Vietnam.

The Long Road to Harvesting Star Anise

One reason why star anise is so valuable is the time it takes to cultivate. While the tree starts producing after four years, it takes around 16 years for it to yield two crops per year. The main harvests occur in the spring (February and March) and autumn (September and October). Given this long cultivation process, star anise is both rare and precious.

According to the World Spice Organization, Vietnam is the second-largest producer of star anise globally, second only to China. This positions Vietnam as a major player in the global spice market, with its star anise highly sought after by countries around the world.

Growing Vietnam’s Star Anise Industry

In recent years, Vietnam’s star anise export industry has made significant strides. Exporters have focused on improving product quality, adopting modern production processes, and adhering to international food safety standards. These efforts have not only enhanced the value of Vietnamese star anise but also expanded its presence in demanding markets like the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Europe.

At VGE, we’re proud to be part of this success story. Our commitment to providing high-quality Vietnamese spices, including star anise, helps connect Vietnamese farmers with international markets. As demand continues to grow, we’re here to ensure that buyers around the world have access to the best spices Vietnam has to offer.

Ready to Elevate Your Spice Game with VGE?

If you’re looking for premium Vietnamese star anise or other top-quality spices, VGE (VietGlobal Export) is your trusted partner. We make it easy to source the best products at competitive prices. Don’t miss out—follow us on social media for updates, or contact us today to discover how we can help bring the finest flavors of Vietnam to your customers!

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