Vietnam has long been recognized as a global hub for incense stick production, where centuries-old craftsmanship blends seamlessly with modern export-driven manufacturing. Incense is far more than a commercial commodity in the country—it represents spirituality, cultural identity, and artisanal heritage passed down through generations. Today, incense sticks Vietnam has emerged as a fast-growing export segment, supplying international markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

According to Vietnam incense stick export data compiled from Vietnam customs and global trade sources, Vietnamese incense stick exports reached USD 23.5 million in 2024, recording a 2% year-on-year increase. This steady growth highlights Vietnam’s rising importance in the global incense trade, positioning the country as a reliable alternative supplier alongside India and China.

This article presents a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s incense stick export performance in 2024–25, covering export trends, global rankings, major destination markets, and a detailed Vietnam incense stick suppliers list for international buyers and traders.

Cultural Roots of Incense Sticks in Vietnam

Incense sticks in Vietnam are deeply embedded in daily life. From ancestral worship and Buddhist rituals to festivals and household offerings, incense burning is a central spiritual practice. Entire rural communities depend on incense making, transforming this traditional craft into a sustainable livelihood.

Regions such as Quảng Phú Cầu village near Hanoi are iconic production hubs, often referred to as Vietnam’s “incense village.” Nearly 3,000 households in this area alone are involved in bamboo cutting, fragrance blending, drying, and packaging incense sticks. These villages are now internationally recognized not only for exports but also as cultural tourism destinations.

The global appeal of incense sticks in Vietnam lies in their quality—natural ingredients, skilled hand-rolling techniques, and a growing emphasis on chemical-free production.

Vietnam Incense Stick Export Overview (2024–25)

Vietnam’s export performance over the last two years demonstrates a clear upward trajectory.

Export Volume & Shipment Trends

1. Nearly 20,000 incense stick shipments were exported between March 2023 and February 2024.

2. This marked a 27% year-on-year growth, signaling expanding international demand.

3. Monthly exports fluctuated due to festival cycles and raw material availability, yet overall momentum remained strong.

Export Value

1. Export value stood at approximately USD 22 million in 2023, increasing to USD 23.5 million in 2024.

2. During the first three quarters of 2024, incense stick exports crossed USD 4 million, reflecting resilience despite global trade volatility.

According to vietnam export customs data, incense sticks now represent a stable niche category within Vietnam’s broader handicraft and consumer goods exports.

Global Ranking and Market Share

Vietnam has strengthened its position in the global incense trade:

1. Ranked 2nd globally by shipment volume, accounting for nearly 14% of global incense stick exports.

2. Ranked 4th by export value, holding roughly 4–5% of global market share.

3. India remains the dominant exporter with nearly 80% market share, but Vietnam is steadily closing the gap in premium and semi-finished incense products.

This growth reflects Vietnam’s strategic positioning as both a bulk supplier and a premium incense exporter.

Key Export Markets for Vietnam Incense Sticks

Vietnam exports incense sticks to more than 60 countries worldwide, with diversified demand patterns.

Top Importing Countries (2024–25):

1. India ($6.2 million | 26.4%) – Imports semi-finished sticks and specialty incense.

2. Japan ($4.1 million | 17.4%) – Strong demand for premium agarwood incense.

3. China ($3.5 million | 14.9%) – Imports natural and traditional incense products.

4. United States ($2.3 million | 9.8%) – Growing wellness and aromatherapy demand.

5. South Korea ($2 million | 8.5%)

6. UAE ($1.7 million | 7.2%)

7. Saudi Arabia ($1.2 million | 5.1%)

8. Bangladesh ($1 million | 4.3%)

9. Nepal ($800K | 3.4%)

10. Germany ($700K | 3%)

Middle Eastern markets favor oud and agarwood incense, while Western markets increasingly prefer herbal and eco-friendly incense products.

Vietnam Incense Stick Suppliers Landscape

Vietnam’s incense manufacturing ecosystem is diverse and competitive. Over 800 active exporters operate nationwide, ranging from small family-run workshops to large industrial manufacturers.

Based on Vietnam incense stick export data and supplier analysis, here is a snapshot of the top incense stick exporters in Vietnam:

1. Hoang Giang Agarwood Company – Premium agarwood incense; strong presence in Japan and the GCC.

2. Thien Tam Agarwood – Luxury herbal and agarwood incense for Asian and European markets.

3. Nippon Kodo Vietnam, Inc. – Japanese subsidiary producing high-end incense.

4. Viet Huong Incense – Large-scale producer of joss sticks and household incense.

5. Binh Nghia Agarwood Export Co. – Chemical-free agarwood incense.

6. Ky Anh Agarwood Incense Unit – Premium blends exported to East Asia and the U.S.

7. Anh Hong Bamboo Incense – Mass-market joss sticks for South Asia.

8. Hoa Binh Incense Company – Herbal incense targeting wellness consumers.

9. Dong Hai Luong – Long-burning and scented incense.

10. Gmex Export and Import JSC – Raw and semi-finished incense sticks.

This Vietnam incense stick suppliers list highlights Vietnam’s ability to serve both bulk buyers and premium niche markets.

Product Categories Offered by Vietnamese Exporters

Vietnamese manufacturers supply a broad range of incense products:

1. Agarwood incense – High-value, long-lasting fragrance.

2. Herbal incense – Made from lemongrass, cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus.

3. Traditional joss sticks – Bulk exports to Asia.

4. Raw incense sticks – Semi-finished products for reprocessing abroad.

5. Coil, cone, and backflow incense – Emerging product lines for global markets.

The diversification of product offerings has helped incense sticks Vietnam remain competitive across multiple regions.

Quality Standards and Buyer Considerations

International buyers sourcing incense sticks from Vietnam should focus on:

1. Chemical-free formulations (low or no potassium nitrate).

2. Certifications such as ISO, GMP, and organic compliance.

3. Consistency across bulk shipments.

4. Sustainable sourcing of agarwood and bamboo.

Sampling and third-party inspections remain critical, especially for EU and U.S. markets.

10-Year Export Trend Analysis

Vietnam’s incense exports experienced fluctuations over the last decade:

1. Peak export value between 2016–2018.

2. Sharp decline during 2020–2021 due to pandemic disruptions.

3. Gradual recovery from 2022 onward, reaching USD 23.5 million in 2024.

This recovery underscores Vietnam’s resilience and adaptability in global trade.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Beyond exports, incense production supports:

1. Rural employment for tens of thousands of workers.

2. Cultural preservation of traditional crafts.

3. SME growth, as most exporters are small-to-medium enterprises.

4. Tourism, especially in craft villages like Quảng Phú Cầu.

Vietnam’s incense sector exemplifies how heritage industries can thrive in modern global supply chains.

Future Outlook for Vietnam’s Incense Exports

Looking ahead, demand for natural, sustainable incense is expected to rise. As wellness trends expand globally, Vietnam’s herbal and eco-friendly incense offerings are well-positioned for growth.

With improving compliance standards, expanded product innovation, and competitive pricing, incense sticks Vietnam is poised to strengthen its role as a key global supplier.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam’s incense industry in 2024–25 tells a compelling story of tradition meeting trade. Supported by strong vietnam export customs data, diversified markets, and a robust supplier base, Vietnam is emerging as a serious competitor to established incense exporters.

For global buyers, Vietnam offers reliability, craftsmanship, and scalability—making it an attractive sourcing destination. Backed by accurate insights from a trusted vietnam trade data provider, importers can confidently explore opportunities within Vietnam’s growing incense export ecosystem.