Star Anise Prices on the rise – Vietnam’s Export Performance
Vietnam is home to a rare and highly valuable spice—star anise. Alongside pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, star anise plays a crucial role in the country’s spice exports. According to Tridge data, China, Vietnam, and India dominate the global supply of star anise, with Vietnam and China being the only two nations capable of large-scale production due to favorable growing conditions.
Vietnam’s Star Anise Export Performance in 2025
As of February 2025, Vietnam exported 724 tons of star anise, generating $2.5 million in revenue. However, this represents a 44.4% decrease in volume compared to the previous month. India remains the largest importer, accounting for 75% of total exports, equivalent to 543 tons.
From January to February 2025, Vietnam exported a total of 2,026 tons of star anise, with an export turnover of $7.1 million. This marks a significant 56% increase in volume and a 1.2% rise in export value compared to the same period in 2024.
In 2024, Vietnam exported 14,004 tons of star anise, generating over $63.7 million in revenue. India continues to be Vietnam’s primary export market, purchasing 1,469 tons so far in 2025, representing nearly 73% of the market share.
Star Anise Cultivation and Economic Impact
Star anise trees require meticulous care and take four years to produce flowers. The yield in the initial years (4th to 6th year) ranges from 0.5 to 1 kg per tree. As the tree matures, productivity increases significantly, reaching 40–50 kg per tree from the 20th year onwards. With proper cultivation techniques, star anise trees can produce high and stable yields for up to 80 years.
Lạng Sơn province is considered the “capital” of Vietnam’s star anise production, with over 43,000 hectares dedicated to cultivation—accounting for approximately 70% of the country’s total area. Of this, 28,000 hectares are currently producing stable yields, with annual dried star anise output ranging between 7,500 and 16,000 tons, valued at an estimated 1.7 trillion VND per year.
Văn Quan district has the largest star anise growing area in Lạng Sơn, covering approximately 14,500 hectares. Around 11,000 hectares are actively producing, with an average yield of 2 – 2.5 tons per hectare, resulting in an output of 20,000–30,000 tons of fresh star anise annually.
Rising Demand and Market Opportunities
Star anise is widely used in culinary applications and traditional medicine. Renowned chefs favor it as a premium spice for its unique flavor and aromatic qualities. With the global demand for spices and natural flavoring agents on the rise, Vietnam holds a strong position as a key exporter.
India continues to be a major target market for Vietnamese spices, presenting significant opportunities for exporters. Additionally, some Vietnamese enterprises are innovating by developing blended spice products that combine multiple ingredients, catering to Indian consumers’ preferences for distinctive flavors.
Current Star Anise Pricing and Market Trends
Vietnam is currently in the midst of the star anise harvest season. However, adverse weather conditions, including drought during the flowering stage, have led to lower yields and a supply shortage. This has driven up prices, despite it being the peak harvest period.
As global demand continues to grow while supply remains limited, star anise prices are expected to stay high with no signs of decreasing in the near future. This trend underscores the importance of strategic cultivation and sustainable production to maximize the economic potential of this rare and valuable spice.
