In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s star anise exports exhibited a notable market shift as the Americas surged strongly, offsetting contractions in Asia. This trend unlocks additional headroom for market diversification to drive sustainable export growth.

According to preliminary statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), Vietnam exported 1,171 metric tons of star anise in August 2026, generating USD 4.9 million in export turnover.

The correlation across regional markets is particularly striking. Asia maintained its leading role with 741 tons, accounting for 63.3% of total export volume in August 2026, yet dropped 5.6% compared to July 2026 and 5.5% year-on-year. Shipments to India alone reached 625 tons, representing 53.4% of the total, down 2.6% month-on-month and 13.8% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the Americas hit 355 tons, surging 36.5% over July 2026 and rocketing 155.4% compared to the same period last year. Deliveries to the United States reached 241 tons, up 15.3% from July 2026 and 162% year-on-year. Europe registered 68 tons, down 49.6% month-on-month, but still up 44.7% over the same period. These figures demonstrate that fresh growth drivers are taking shape in markets outside Asia.

In the cumulative first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s star anise exports reached 9,605 tons with a turnover of USD 38.6 million, down 6.3% in volume and 13.3% in value compared to the first eight months of 2025. Asia accounted for 7,215 tons, or 75.1% of total export volume, down 17.3% year-on-year; India reached 5,845 tons, capturing 60.9%, a 24.1% decline over the same period.

Conversely, shipments to the Americas reached 1,635 tons, up 48.6% year-on-year; Europe hit 701 tons, a 77.5% increase; and Africa recorded 54 tons, up 68.8%. The United States reached 834 tons, climbing 30.3% and reinforcing its constructive role within the export composition.

This structural migration carries significant weight amidst declining aggregate volume and export value. Expanding rapidly growing markets helps Vietnam’s star anise sector reduce over-reliance on a single region while laying a foundation to sharpen resilience and unearth fresh growth headroom.

From a corporate standpoint, VPSA member enterprises exported 7,212 tons of star anise, accounting for 75.1% of total export volume, down 9.8% year-on-year; non-VPSA entities exported 2,393 tons, capturing 24.9%, up 6.2% over the same period. Rung Xanh T&K led the field with 1,509 tons, followed by Prosi Thang Long with 1,072 tons, Ha Son with 942 tons, and Lam Son Ha Spices with 917 tons.

Looking more broadly, expansion across the Americas, Europe, and Africa is charting new pathways for Vietnamese star anise. This provides a baseline for businesses to gradually dial down dependence on traditional markets, diversify offtake channels, consolidate competitiveness, and generate fresh momentum for sustainable star anise export growth.

Source: Tap chi Kinh te - Tai chinh