Vietnam has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, and one of the most symbolic representations of this legacy is the incense sticks Vietnam industry. Rooted deeply in spirituality, tradition, and community livelihoods, incense production has evolved from a cultural craft to a globally traded commodity. Over the past few decades, the sector has transformed Vietnam into one of the leading exporters of incense sticks worldwide.
According to the latest Vietnam export data, the total export value of incense sticks Vietnam reached $23.5 million in 2024, marking a 2% growth compared to the previous year. This steady rise underscores the industry’s resilience and increasing appeal in international markets, including Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Cultural Heritage Meets Global Demand
Incense holds a sacred place in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing respect, remembrance, and spiritual connection. Villages across the country have perfected the art of incense making over generations. The most iconic among them is Quảng Phú Cầu village, near Hanoi, known as the “incense village of Vietnam.” Nearly 3,000 households here are engaged in incense production, turning fields of red incense sticks into both a tourist attraction and a vital part of Vietnam’s export economy.
Traditionally, incense sticks in Vietnam are handcrafted using natural ingredients like bamboo, agarwood, and herbal extracts. However, as international demand has surged, manufacturers have adopted modern production techniques while maintaining artisanal quality. This balance of authenticity and innovation has made incense sticks Vietnam highly desirable in global markets.
Vietnam’s Export Performance and Global Position
As per Vietnam incense sticks export data, the country exported over 20,000 shipments of incense sticks between March 2023 and February 2024 — a 27% year-on-year growth. In global trade rankings, Vietnam now stands as the fourth largest incense exporter, holding around 14% of the global shipment share.
India continues to dominate the global incense market with nearly 80% of exports, followed by China and Vietnam. Yet, Vietnam’s strength lies in its high-quality, eco-friendly incense and specialized production lines that cater to diverse cultural markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
In 2024, Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers collectively achieved over USD 23 million in export value, and projections for 2025 indicate continued upward momentum driven by rising global demand for natural, chemical-free incense products.
Top Markets for Incense Sticks in Vietnam
The key export markets for incense sticks Vietnam reflect a blend of cultural affinity and modern wellness trends.
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India remains the largest importer, accounting for about $6.2 million (26.4%) of total exports. Despite being the world’s biggest producer, India imports semi-finished incense bases and raw sticks from Vietnam.
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Japan follows with $4.1 million (17.4%), appreciating the refined craftsmanship and natural fragrances of Vietnamese incense.
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China ranks third with $3.5 million (14.9%), showcasing the strength of intra-Asian trade ties.
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The United States and South Korea are emerging destinations, importing incense sticks Vietnam worth $2.3 million and $2 million, respectively.
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Other growing markets include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Germany, where demand for agarwood and herbal incense varieties continues to rise.
This diversification indicates Vietnam’s ability to cater to both spiritual and lifestyle-oriented consumers worldwide.
Top Vietnam Incense Sticks Manufacturers and Exporters
The incense sticks sector in Vietnam comprises over 800 active suppliers, ranging from small craft producers to major exporters with global distribution networks. According to Vietnam trade data provider reports, the top manufacturers include:
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Hoang Giang Agarwood Company – A leader in agarwood incense exports to Japan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
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Thien Tam Agarwood – Specializes in traditional agarwood and luxury herbal blends.
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Nippon Kodo Vietnam, Inc. – A subsidiary of Japan’s famed brand, producing premium incense for export.
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Viet Huong Incense – Supplies large volumes of joss sticks to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
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Binh Nghia Agarwood Export Co. – Known for chemical-free agarwood incense exported to Korea and China.
Other reputable names include Ky Anh Agarwood, Hoa Binh Incense, and Gmex Export and Import JSC. Together, these companies represent Vietnam’s excellence in blending heritage with modern quality standards.
Product Range and Quality Standards
The diversity of incense sticks in Vietnam is a key strength. The main categories include:
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Agarwood Incense – Premium, long-lasting fragrance; highly sought after in Japan and the Middle East.
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Herbal Incense – Made from lemongrass, cinnamon, or clove; popular in Western wellness markets.
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Joss Sticks – Traditional bulk incense used in temples and households across Asia.
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Raw Incense Sticks – Semi-processed products exported to India and China for re-dipping in oils.
For international buyers, ensuring quality and compliance is essential. Reputable Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers adhere to ISO and GMP certifications, and many are shifting toward eco-friendly and organic production to meet strict European and U.S. import standards.
Incense Sticks Vietnam: Market Trends and Insights
Global interest in natural and sustainable products has reshaped the incense industry. The growing popularity of aromatherapy and holistic wellness practices has expanded incense use beyond traditional ceremonies. This trend is evident in Western markets, where consumers seek organic, chemical-free incense for meditation, yoga, and relaxation.
Meanwhile, Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to drive demand for oud and agarwood-based incense — both specialties of Vietnam. With these favorable conditions, incense sticks Vietnam are positioned for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.
Moreover, according to leading Vietnam trade data provider platforms, exporters are diversifying into related product lines like cone incense, coil incense, and backflow incense burners — widening their appeal in global retail and wholesale markets.
Economic and Cultural Significance of the Industry
The incense industry contributes not just to Vietnam’s exports but also to rural livelihoods and cultural preservation. Tens of thousands of workers, especially women in rural provinces, depend on incense-making for income. Villages like Quảng Phú Cầu have become models of how traditional crafts can merge with modern trade.
The sector’s economic benefits are complemented by its cultural impact — incense burning remains an integral part of Vietnamese daily life, symbolizing respect, gratitude, and connection to ancestors. Thus, each export shipment carries both cultural heritage and economic opportunity.
Additionally, Vietnam imports raw materials like aromatic woods and herbs to enhance production diversity. This interplay between imports and exports illustrates Vietnam’s integrated trade ecosystem and openness to global markets.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities for Buyers and Importers
For importers and traders seeking reliable suppliers, Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers offer a unique combination of quality, pricing, and authenticity. The country’s incense products are known for being handcrafted, natural, and competitively priced — ideal for bulk orders and premium retail segments alike.
Working with a trusted Vietnam trade data provider allows buyers to access verified shipment details, exporter databases, and market intelligence for sourcing decisions. Whether you’re a wholesaler in India, a distributor in Japan, or a retailer in the U.S., Vietnam presents a compelling opportunity to partner with a culturally rich and export-driven industry.
Conclusion
The story of incense sticks Vietnam is one of tradition evolving through trade. From small village workshops to international markets, Vietnam has carved out a strong position as a key global supplier of incense products. With sustainable growth, expanding product lines, and increasing demand for natural fragrances, incense sticks in Vietnam symbolize both heritage and innovation.
As the global incense market continues to evolve, Vietnam’s exporters — backed by cultural expertise, craftsmanship, and reliable trade data — are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this aromatic industry.
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