According to preliminary statistics from Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), Vietnam's star anise exports in August reached 1,146 tonnes with a value of 5.4 million USD, down 31% compared to the previous month. By the end of August, Vietnam exported 9,831 tonnes of star anise with a total turnover of 47.3 million USD, down 1.7% in volume and 17.8% in value compared to the same period last year.
In terms of markets, India continues to be the largest importer of star anise from Vietnam with 6,083 tonês, up 6.3% over the same period last year.
The US ranked second with 694 tonnes, up 8.4%. Taiwan (China) rose to third place with 301 tonnes, up 169% compared to the first 8 months of 2023.
The leading exporters include Prosi Thang Long with 1,805 tonnes, Nedspice Vietnam with 622 tonnes, Tuan Minh with 526 tonnes and Senspices Vietnam with 378 tonnes.
India is the world's leading consumer of star anise products and is also a major producer of medicinal herbs. Currently, Vietnam dominates Indian market with more than 80% of star anise imports.
According to statistics, anise growing area in Vietnam by 2022 is about 40,000 hectares, mainly concentrated in Lang Son and Cao Bang with an annual output of more than 16,000 tonnes.
Star anise begins to be harvested from the 4th year, however, it takes about 16 years to harvest 2 crops/year, so this rare plant becomes even more valuable. In which, spring crop is concentrated in February and March; the summer crop is in September and October. According to statistics from World Spice Organization, Vietnam's anise production ranks second globally, only behind China.
In Vietnam, star anise is grown mainly in northern border provinces such as Lang Son and Cao Bang with an annual output of more than 16,000 tonnes.
In which, Lang Son is known as the "capital" of star anise in our country. Star anise in Lang Son is mainly grown in Van Quan, Binh Gia, Bac Son, Trang Dinh, Chi Lang, Van Lang and Cao Loc districts. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the French have built star anise essential oil processing factories in Lang Son.
According to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Lang Son, in 2022 alone, the estimated harvest output will reach 13,000 tonnes of dried star anise and value will be about 1,500 billion VND. Previously, in 2021, Lang Son star anise products had an export value of 31 million USD, equivalent to an export output of about 3,500 tonnes of dried star anise.
In recent years, star anise export industry has made many significant developments. Export enterprises have paid more attention to improving product quality, applying modern production processes and complying with international standards on food safety. This not only helps increase value of product but also expands consumption market, attracting more customers from demanding countries such as the US, Japan, Korea and European countries.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn