Vietnam’s Booming Incense Stick Export Industry: Data, Markets & Top Suppliers (2024–25)

Vietnam’s incense stick industry is among the most culturally significant craft sectors in Southeast Asia—and today, it is also one of the fastest-growing export categories. What once began as a sacred tradition rooted in spiritual rituals has evolved into a thriving global trade supported by artisanal expertise, modernized manufacturing, and rising global demand. The latest Vietnam incense stick export data shows a steadily increasing international appetite for Vietnamese incense products, positioning the country as a reliable and competitive supplier worldwide.

This guest post offers a detailed, data-driven analysis of Vietnam’s incense export landscape, covering export volumes, global rankings, market trends, key destinations, leading Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers, and long-term export patterns. Whether you are an importer, wholesaler, distributor, or trade researcher, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to understand the incense industry’s rapid growth in Vietnam.

Introduction: Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Meets Global Trade

Incense has been deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture for centuries. Burning incense is a daily act of worship, meditation, spiritual cleansing, and cultural symbolism, practiced in homes, temples, festivals, and ancestral ceremonies. Regions such as Quảng Phú Cầu—popularly called “the incense village”—have preserved the craft for generations, with thousands of families making incense sticks using traditional techniques.

Today, this heritage has transformed into a vibrant export-driven industry. According to recent Vietnam incense stick export data, the export value of incense sticks reached $23.5 million in 2024, marking a 2% rise from the previous year. What distinguishes incense sticks in Vietnam is the blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern production technologies that meet international quality and sustainability standards. This combination has helped Vietnam emerge as a top supplier to markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Vietnam Incense Stick Export Data Overview (2024–25)

Strong Export Volume and Impressive Growth

Between March 2023 and February 2024, Vietnam exported nearly 20,000 shipments of incense sticks. According to Vietnam shipment data, this reflected a remarkable 27% year-on-year increase, demonstrating rising production capabilities, improved global outreach, and expanding buyer networks.

Monthly data indicates slight fluctuations due to seasonal festivals, domestic cultural events, and variations in raw material availability. However, the overall export trajectory remains strongly upward.

Vietnam’s Global Ranking in Incense Exports

On the global stage, Vietnam holds a prestigious position. Based on 2024 customs exports analysis:

• Vietnam ranks 2nd worldwide in incense shipment counts, with a 14% share of the global market.

• India dominates the incense stick segment with nearly 80% share.

• Vietnam and China remain powerful secondary exporters, supplying both premium incense and bulk raw materials.

From a value perspective, Vietnam accounts for 4–5% of global incense exports, securing the position of the 4th largest exporter by value.

Export Value Trends

Vietnam recorded USD 22 million worth of incense stick exports in 2023, rising to USD 23 million in 2024. The growth remained consistent despite global supply chain instabilities. The first three quarters of 2024 alone saw exports exceeding USD 4 million, supported by expanding demand in wellness, aromatherapy, spiritual, and lifestyle segments worldwide.

Key International Markets for Vietnamese Incense Sticks (2024–25)

Vietnam exports incense sticks to more than 60 countries worldwide. The top 10 markets, according to Vietnam export customs data, are:

1. India – $6.2M (26.4%)
   Although India is the world’s largest producer of incense sticks, it imports specialized semi-finished incense, incense bases, and bamboo sticks from Vietnam.

2. Japan – $4.1M (17.4%)
   Japanese consumers value Vietnam’s premium-quality agarwood and herbal incense.

3. China – $3.5M (14.9%)
   Demand is strong for herbal and agarwood varieties, used in both traditional ceremonies and high-end markets.

4. United States – $2.3M (9.8%)
   Rising interest in meditation, wellness, and natural aromatics drives U.S. demand.

5. South Korea – $2M (8.5%)
   Korean temples and households increasingly prefer Vietnamese incense for rituals and ceremonies.

6. UAE – $1.7M (7.2%)
   The Middle East is a growing hub for oud-based and premium aromatic incense.

7. Saudi Arabia – $1.2M (5.1%)
   Cultural and religious rituals fuel strong demand for incense.

8. Bangladesh – $1M (4.3%)
   Large-scale consumption of joss sticks makes it a key market.

9. Nepal – $800K (3.4%)
   A small but spiritually significant market.

10. Germany – $700K (3%)
    Wellness, aromatherapy, and eco-friendly fragrances are rising trends.

The rise in demand across these markets underscores the increasing global acceptance of incense sticks Vietnam products.

Top 10 Incense Stick Suppliers in Vietnam (2024–25)

Vietnam has over 800+ active incense exporters, ranging from small craft businesses to large-scale manufacturers. According to Vietnam incense stick export data, the top 10 suppliers include:

1. Hoang Giang Agarwood Company – $1.6M
   Premium agarwood incense for Japan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

2. Thien Tam Agarwood – $1.5M
   Luxury agarwood and herbal incense blends for Asia and Europe.

3. Nippon Kodo Vietnam, Inc. – $1.3M
   Japanese-style incense, global distribution.

4. Viet Huong Incense – $1.2M
   Popular supplier of joss sticks, temple incense, and daily-use incense.

5. Binh Nghia Agarwood Export Co. – $1M
   Known for chemical-free natural agarwood incense.

6. Ky Anh Agarwood Incense Unit – $0.9M
   Premium incense for Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.

7. Dong Hai Luong – $0.9M
   Supplier of long-burning scented sticks.

8. Anh Hong Bamboo Incense – $0.8M
   Mass-market joss sticks for India and Nepal.

9. Hoa Binh Incense Company – $0.7M
   Herbal incense made from lemongrass, eucalyptus, cinnamon.

10. Gmex Export and Import JSC – $0.6M
    Specialist in raw and semi-finished incense.

These companies reflect the diversity of the Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers landscape—from artisanal creators to international-scale exporters.

Production Hubs & Craft Heritage in Vietnam

Quảng Phú Cầu – Vietnam’s Iconic Incense Village

Located near Hanoi, Quảng Phú Cầu is home to nearly 3,000 households engaged in incense stick production. The village produces incense for both local consumption and exports, gaining global fame for its vibrant “fields of red incense” that attract photographers and tourists.

Other Production Regions

• Quang Nam – Agarwood incense

• Binh Dinh – Bamboo-stick incense

• Ho Chi Minh City – Modern herbal incense production

These hubs help support the growing global demand reflected in Vietnam exports and annual trade data.

10-Year Export Performance: Vietnam Incense Stick Export Data (2014–2024)

Export levels dipped during COVID-19 but recovered strongly by 2023–24. This long-term data shows stable global demand, even during economic downturns, reinforcing the significance of Vietnam incense stick export data for predicting market stability.

Product Categories: What Buyers Prefer

Vietnam’s incense export portfolio includes:

• Agarwood incense – High-end, long-lasting fragrance

• Herbal incense – Lemongrass, eucalyptus, cinnamon

• Traditional joss sticks – Bulk exports for temples & mass markets

• Raw incense sticks – For international re-dipping and fragrance customization

Demand varies by region, but the common trend is a preference for natural ingredients, sustainability, and chemical-free production.

Quality Standards and Importer Guidelines

Buyers sourcing from Vietnam should look for:

• Chemical-free production

• Certifications (ISO, GMP, organic)

• Sustainable harvesting (especially for agarwood)

• Product testing and fragrance consistency

Since export quality can vary among suppliers, sampling is crucial before large purchases.

Market Trends Driving the Industry

According to global and Vietnam shipment data, the following trends are shaping the industry:

• Rising demand for eco-friendly and organic incense

• Growth in global wellness and aromatherapy markets

• Popularity of specialty incense—coil, cone, and backflow incense

• Increased use of agarwood and oud-based fragrances

These evolving preferences continue to favor Vietnam as a dynamic and adaptable incense supplier.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The incense industry is vital to Vietnam’s socio-cultural identity and economy:

• Cultural value – Burning incense is integral to spirituality.

• Employment – Tens of thousands of rural workers rely on incense production.

• SME Growth – Small-scale manufacturers form the backbone of the sector.

• Tourism – Craft villages like Quảng Phú Cầu attract global visitors.

This industry beautifully merges tradition with modern global trade.

Key Numbers at a Glance (2024–25)

• Shipments: 20,000+ annually

• Growth: 27% YoY

• Global Market Share (shipments): 14%

• Export Value: $22M (2024)

• Suppliers: 800+

• Major buyers: India, Japan, China, Middle East, USA

• Biggest craft hub: Quảng Phú Cầu

Conclusion

Vietnam’s incense stick export industry is stronger than ever. With rising global demand, craftsmanship rooted in centuries of tradition, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and a diversified supplier base, Vietnam has cemented its place as one of the world’s leading incense exporters. The Vietnam incense stick export data clearly shows that the country is rapidly emerging as a major competitor to India, especially in premium niches like agarwood and herbal incense.

For importers, wholesalers, and distributors, Vietnam offers unmatched product diversity, competitive pricing, and scalable production—making it one of the most attractive sourcing markets in the world.

For detailed and updated Vietnam export customs data, live incense export statistics, supplier lists, or customized market insights, visit VietnamExportData or contact TradeImeX at info@tradeimex.in.