Although total export volume declined by 23.8% from December 2025 and by 22.1% year on year, the market recorded several bright spots across the ASEAN region, reported VPSA.

Thailand led growth momentum with a 271.4% month on month surge to 26 tonnes, followed by the Philippines at 5 tonnes, up 150%, while both Myanmar and Malaysia recorded 100% growth, reaching 15 tonnes and 4 tonnes, respectively. Shipments to Singapore also increased 45.5% to 16 tonnes.

In contrast to the ASEAN uptrend, Vietnam’s largest star anise markets posted declines in January. India remained the biggest buyer, accounting for 63.1% of total exports with 640 tonnes, down 8.7% month on month. Exports to the United States hit 70 tonnes, accounting for 6.9% market share, plunging 51.4%, while shipments to China dropped 65.2% to 48 tonnes. 

Germany stood out as a rare bright spot outside ASEAN, importing 34 tonnes, up 36%, and accounting for 3.4% of total exports.

The strong performance of emerging markets in January extended momentum from the previous year. In 2025, Vietnam exported a total of 14,307 tonnes of star anise, earning US$58.7 million. While export volume rose 2.2% year on year, export value declined 8% due to price fluctuations.

The two key drivers of Vietnam’s star anise exports in 2025 were India with 9,896 tonnes, accounting for nearly 70% of total shipments, and the United States, which imported 1,030 tonnes, marking a robust 82.9% increase.

Star anise exports to China expand by over 65%

VOV.VN - Vietnam exported 3,513 tonnes of star anise to the Chinese market last year, representing a rise of 65.6% compared to 2021’s figures, according to the Vietnam Pepper Association.