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 The Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) has released preliminary numbers showing that, in June, 11,333 tons of cinnamon were exported, bringing in approximately $30.6 million USD—a 1.4% increase over May's exports.

In comparison to the same period in 2023, Vietnam's export volume climbed by 3.9% while its total export turnover declined by 1.8%. As of the end of June 2024, the country had exported 44,528 tons of cinnamon, with a total export turnover of 126.9 million USD. With 15,040 tons of Vietnamese cinnamon exported. India is the primary destination (33.5%).

About 11–12 million tons of spices are imported into India annually. Vietnam is the primary provider of cinnamon to this particular market. Vietnam sold 32,650 tons of cinnamon in the fiscal year 2022–2023, which made up 85% of India’s imports.

naming the main export markets for cinnamon from Vietnam
Vietnam's main export market for cinnamon is India.
Assessments indicate that the distinctive flavor and high essential oil concentration of Vietnamese cinnamon make it popular in India. Vietnam is currently India's primary source of imported cinnamon, which is processed both for export and local use.

In addition to having cinnamon trees, Vietnam is considered to have a wide supply of medicinal plants, with a relatively high proportion of uncommon natural medicinal herbs, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. There are approximately 5,100 species of medicinal plants in our nation, which presents many opportunities and benefits for turning medicinal herbs into a profitable industry.

Due to the enormous demand for cinnamon essential oil worldwide—which is typically not met by supply because cinnamon trees are mostly farmed in a small number of Asian countries—the sector has a lot of room to grow.

Experts also predict that, in the next 10 years, the world organic spice market will grow at least 4.6% per year and reach a total value of 15 billion USD. The cinnamon market alone, from now until 2025, will grow an average of 14% per year. This is clearly a great opportunity for Vietnam as cinnamon is a very popular spice in many countries.

According to statistics, the cinnamon growing area in Vietnam is up to 180,000 hectares in the northern mountainous provinces and North Central Coast.

Notably, cinnamon is widely grown in Vietnam but very few countries in the world can grow it. Other countries that can grow cinnamon include China, Laos, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and some countries in South America.

Cinnamon's scientific name is Cinnamomum loureirii Nees; family Lauraceae. The tree is large, 10 - 20m high, with cracked outer bark and many branches. The tree grows wild in the forest, or is planted by seeds or cuttings, and can be harvested after 5 years, but the best time to peel the cinnamon bark is after 20-30 years. Peeling the cinnamon bark in April-May or September-October will be easier because this is the stage when cinnamon produces resin.

Normally, people can harvest cinnamon trees in low-lying forests after only 3-5 years. However, for high-quality products, the cinnamon tree must be over 15 years old. All parts of the cinnamon tree such as bark, leaves, flowers, wood, and roots can be used. But people mainly harvest cinnamon bark, branches, or leaves to dry or extract essential oils.

Vietnam's cinnamon bark reserves are estimated at 900,000 - 1,200,000 tons, with an average harvest of 70,000 - 80,000 tons/year. Vietnam is also the world's number 1 cinnamon exporter with a turnover of over 292 million USD in 2022.