Vietnamese Cassia Cinnamon: India Remains the Leading Export Market
Vietnam has long been recognized as one of the top producers and exporters of Cassia cinnamon in the world. Among its key export destinations, India continues to be the dominant market, driving strong demand for high-quality Vietnamese cinnamon.
Vietnam’s Cinnamon Export Performance in January 2025
According to preliminary data from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), in January 2025, Vietnam exported 7,329 tons of cinnamon, generating a revenue of $20.1 million. While this marks a 23.7% decline compared to December 2024, it represents a 13.6% increase year-over-year.
Vietnamese cinnamon is widely consumed in major markets such as the United States, the European Union, China, and India. However, India remains the largest consumer of Vietnamese cinnamon, thanks to its high essential oil content and distinctive flavor. With a vast population and a strong demand for spices and medicinal herbs, India continues to be a promising and stable export destination for Vietnamese Cassia.
Vietnam’s Cinnamon Import Trends
While Vietnam exports a substantial volume of cinnamon, the country also imports cinnamon to meet market demands. In January 2025, Vietnam imported 239 tons of cinnamon, valued at $0.5 million. This represents a 38.2% decline compared to December 2024.
Indonesia remains the largest supplier of imported cinnamon to Vietnam, accounting for 69% of total imports, with 165 tons shipped in January. The need for imported cinnamon arises due to varying international standards, with some businesses requiring cinnamon from other sources to meet specific market regulations and enhance product diversification.
Vietnam’s Cinnamon Production and Key Growing Regions
Vietnam currently boasts 180,000 hectares of cinnamon plantations, primarily concentrated in the northern mountainous and north-central regions. The country’s annual cinnamon bark output is estimated at 70,000 – 80,000 tons, with a total estimated reserve of 900,000 – 1,200,000 tons.
The Yen Bai region stands out as Vietnam’s largest cinnamon-producing area, contributing significantly to the country’s supply. Within Yen Bai, the districts of Van Yen, Van Chan, Van Ban, and Tran Yen collectively produce 70% of the province’s cinnamon output. The most notable cinnamon-growing communes include Dai Son, Vien Son, Xuan Tam, Phong Du, and Chau Que.
Global Cinnamon Production and Market Trends
Beyond Vietnam, cinnamon is cultivated in countries like China, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. The global market recognizes four primary types of cinnamon:
- Ceylon Cinnamon (Sri Lanka)
- Cassia Cinnamon (Vietnam, China, and Indonesia)
- Saigon Cinnamon (Vietnam)
- Korintje Cinnamon (Indonesia)
Among these, Vietnamese Cassia cinnamon is highly prized for its high essential oil content and strong, spicy-sweet flavor, making it a favorite among buyers in India and beyond.
Challenges and Future Directions for Vietnam’s Cinnamon Industry
Despite Vietnam’s strong presence in the global cinnamon market, branding and international recognition remain a challenge. While the country has a large production capacity and stable export growth, its cinnamon products lack a globally recognized brand identity.
Additionally, meeting stringent EU market standards—especially regarding purity and essential oil content—has led some Vietnamese companies to import cinnamon from other countries to meet specific quality requirements. Importing cinnamon also helps diversify supply sources, mitigate risks, and ensure stable production for value-added processing.
To strengthen Vietnam’s position in the global cinnamon industry, collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and farmers is essential. Investing in research and development, adopting modern processing technologies, and building a strong Vietnamese cinnamon brand will not only enhance export value but also elevate the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products worldwide.
Conclusion
India remains the largest and most promising export market for Vietnamese cinnamon, with demand expected to stay strong due to its extensive use in spices, herbal medicine, and Ayurveda. As Vietnam continues to expand and refine its cinnamon industry, focusing on quality improvements, branding, and market diversification will be key to maintaining and growing its global market share.
For businesses looking to source premium Vietnamese Cassia cinnamon, VietGlobal Export is committed to providing high-quality, ethically sourced, and competitively priced cinnamon products. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and secure your supply from one of the world’s top cinnamon producers.
