Vietnam has long been known as one of the most vibrant centers of incense production in Asia. Unlike many other commodities, incense sticks in Vietnam are not just commercial goods — they are deeply tied to the country’s cultural, spiritual, and social identity. Across temples, households, and festivals, incense burning plays an integral role in everyday life. Over time, what began as a traditional practice has transformed into a global industry, positioning incense sticks Vietnam as a highly demanded export product across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
In this article, we will dive into the export performance of incense sticks Vietnam, explore the top markets, highlight key suppliers, and analyze the cultural and economic importance of the industry. Insights from Vietnam export customs data and Vietnam shipment data shed light on how this traditional craft has become a cornerstone of the country’s growing trade.
Incense Sticks Vietnam: Export Growth in 2024–25
The incense industry in Vietnam has seen steady growth in recent years. According to the latest Vietnam export customs data, the total value of incense exports reached $23.5 million in 2024, marking a 2% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the rising global demand for incense, both for traditional rituals and for modern wellness applications such as aromatherapy and meditation.
Between March 2023 and February 2024, Vietnam recorded nearly 20,000 incense shipments, representing a year-on-year growth of 27%. This upward trajectory highlights the country’s growing capacity to meet international demand. While seasonal dips occur during certain months due to domestic festival cycles and raw material availability, the long-term trend remains firmly positive.
On the global stage, incense sticks Vietnam have secured a strong ranking. Vietnam accounted for about 14% of global incense shipments, making it the second largest exporter by shipment count after India. By export value, Vietnam is ranked fourth globally, holding around 4–5% of the world’s incense market.
Top Export Destinations for Incense Sticks Vietnam
According to Vietnam shipment data, the country’s incense products are widely distributed across continents. The top ten export markets for 2024–25 include:
- India – $6.2 million (26.4%)
India, despite being the largest incense producer, imports semi-finished sticks and bases from Vietnam due to high domestic demand. - Japan – $4.1 million (17.4%)
A strong market for agarwood and premium incense products, reflecting Japan’s appreciation of rituals and high-quality craftsmanship. - China – $3.5 million (14.9%)
Vietnam’s close neighbor and cultural counterpart remains a consistent importer of incense sticks in Vietnam, particularly herbal and traditional types. - United States – $2.3 million (9.8%)
A growing market driven by the wellness and aromatherapy sectors. - South Korea – $2 million (8.5%)
Known for its cultural rituals, South Korea is a loyal buyer of Vietnamese incense. - UAE – $1.7 million (7.2%)
Strong demand for agarwood and oud-based incense due to cultural preferences. - Saudi Arabia – $1.2 million (5.1%)
Another Middle Eastern hub where incense plays a central role in religious and cultural traditions. - Bangladesh – $1 million (4.3%)
Imports mass-market incense and joss sticks from Vietnamese suppliers. - Nepal – $800,000 (3.4%)
A niche yet culturally significant market. - Germany – $700,000 (3%)
Reflects Europe’s growing demand for natural and chemical-free incense products.
These numbers underscore how incense sticks Vietnam have transcended regional boundaries, finding buyers across both traditional and emerging markets.
Vietnam Incense Sticks Manufacturers: Supplier Landscape
The incense industry in Vietnam is diverse, consisting of artisanal villages, family-owned workshops, and large-scale industrial exporters. According to trade data, the country is home to more than 800 active suppliers exporting to over 60 countries worldwide.
The top 10 incense exporters in Vietnam for 2024–25 include:
- Hoang Giang Agarwood Company – $1.6M exports; focuses on agarwood incense, eco-friendly methods.
- Thien Tam Agarwood – $1.5M exports; luxury herbal blends, Middle East & Europe markets.
- Nippon Kodo Vietnam, Inc. – $1.3M exports; Japanese-style premium incense.
- Viet Huong Incense – $1.2M exports; temple incense, joss sticks.
- Binh Nghia Agarwood Export Co. – $1M exports; chemical-free agarwood incense.
- Ky Anh Agarwood Incense Unit – $0.9M exports; premium blends for Asian markets.
- Dong Hai Luong – $0.9M exports; long-burning joss sticks, Middle East buyers.
- Anh Hong Bamboo Incense – $0.8M exports; mass-market incense for India and Nepal.
- Hoa Binh Incense Company – $0.7M exports; herbal incense (lemongrass, cinnamon).
- Gmex Export & Import JSC – $0.6M exports; raw sticks and semi-finished incense.
This supplier diversity makes Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers highly competitive, offering everything from artisanal agarwood incense to bulk joss sticks for temple use.
Incense Sticks in Vietnam: Cultural & Craft Heritage
One of the most iconic incense-producing hubs in Vietnam is Quảng Phú Cầu village, near Hanoi. Known as the “incense village,” it is home to nearly 3,000 households engaged in incense production. The village is famous not only for its economic contribution but also for its photogenic “fields of incense sticks,” which have become a tourist attraction.
Other notable regions include Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, and Ho Chi Minh City, each specializing in unique varieties of incense — from agarwood to bamboo-based joss sticks and herbal incense.
The deep cultural heritage surrounding incense sticks in Vietnam is a driving force that sustains the industry. For many families, incense production is both a livelihood and a continuation of age-old traditions.
Industry Insights for Importers & Buyers
For international buyers, incense sticks Vietnam offer multiple product categories, including:
- Agarwood incense – Premium, long-lasting fragrances, popular in Japan and the Middle East.
- Herbal incense – Made from natural ingredients like lemongrass, clove, cinnamon, and sandalwood; preferred in Western markets.
- Traditional joss sticks – Widely exported to Asian countries.
- Raw and semi-processed incense sticks – Shipped abroad for re-dipping in fragrances.
Quality considerations: Importers are increasingly seeking incense free from harmful chemicals such as potassium nitrate or synthetic fragrances. Certifications like ISO, GMP, and organic labeling are becoming essential, especially for exports to Europe and the U.S.
Market trends: Global consumers are shifting toward eco-friendly and natural incense products. Additionally, wellness industries such as aromatherapy are driving new demand outside of traditional markets. Vietnamese exporters are also innovating with cone incense, coil incense, and backflow incense to diversify their offerings.
Economic and Social Impact
The incense industry in Vietnam plays a significant role in:
- Employment: Tens of thousands of rural workers rely on incense production for income.
- SME Growth: Most incense exporters are small-to-medium enterprises, making the sector agile.
- Tourism: Villages like Quảng Phú Cầu attract visitors who contribute to local economies.
- Cultural preservation: The continued production of incense sustains spiritual and cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s incense stick industry in 2024–25 is a powerful example of tradition evolving into global trade. By combining artisanal craftsmanship with modern export practices, incense sticks Vietnam have gained recognition as a high-quality product worldwide. Backed by insights from Vietnam export customs data and Vietnam shipment data, it is clear that the country has firmly established itself as one of the top global exporters.
For buyers and traders, Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers offer opportunities across both premium niche markets and bulk mass-market segments. With rising global preferences for natural, eco-friendly products, the industry is set to expand further, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as a vital player in the global incense market.
