Vietnam has long been recognized as a global hub for incense stick production. Deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual heritage, the industry has transformed over the years from a local craft into a growing export powerhouse. Today, incense sticks Vietnam are not only a symbol of tradition but also a major commodity shaping international trade. With demand increasing across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, the country’s incense industry has carved a niche in the global market.

According to the latest Vietnam shipment data, the total export value of incense sticks reached USD 23.5 million in 2024, reflecting a steady 2% growth from the previous year. Vietnam now stands as the fourth-largest incense exporter globally, trailing only behind India, which continues to dominate the industry. Despite this, Vietnam’s rising production capacity and strong supplier base highlight its growing role as a reliable source for high-quality incense sticks.

Cultural Heritage Behind Incense Sticks in Vietnam

In Vietnam, incense holds deep spiritual meaning. It is an integral part of religious rituals, ancestral worship, and daily practices. Villages such as Quảng Phú Cầu, often called the “incense village,” have been producing incense for generations. Nearly 3,000 households in this village alone are engaged in making incense sticks, contributing to both domestic and international markets.

This heritage is more than cultural—it is also economic. The production of incense sticks in Vietnam employs tens of thousands of people, particularly in rural areas where artisanal craftsmanship thrives. For these communities, incense production ensures livelihood security while preserving traditional practices.

Export Trends and Performance of Vietnam Incense Sticks

Between March 2023 and February 2024, Vietnam exported nearly 20,000 shipments of incense sticks, marking a 27% year-on-year growth. This surge underscores not only the rising global demand but also Vietnam’s improved production efficiency.

  • Export Value: In 2023, Vietnam’s incense exports were valued at USD 22 million, and by 2024, this grew to USD 23.5 million.

  • Global Ranking: Vietnam holds around 14% of global incense shipments, making it the second-largest exporter by shipment volume.

  • Volume Share: On a value basis, Vietnam accounts for 4–5% of global incense exports, ranking fourth worldwide.

Despite seasonal fluctuations tied to domestic festivals and raw material supply, the industry has maintained consistent growth. Data-driven insights from Vietnam import customs data and trade statistics reveal strong resilience even amid global trade uncertainties.

Key Export Markets for Incense Sticks Vietnam

Vietnamese incense sticks are exported to over 60 countries, with strong demand in both traditional and emerging markets. The top 10 export destinations for 2024–25 include:

  1. India ($6.2M, 26.4%) – Imports semi-finished incense sticks despite being the world’s largest producer.

  2. Japan ($4.1M, 17.4%) – Prefers premium agarwood and ceremonial incense.

  3. China ($3.5M, 14.9%) – Strong cultural use of incense in temples and households.

  4. United States ($2.3M, 9.8%) – Growing demand linked to wellness, yoga, and spirituality trends.

  5. South Korea ($2M, 8.5%) – Imports herbal and agarwood-based incense.

  6. UAE ($1.7M, 7.2%) – Demand for oud and agarwood incense.

  7. Saudi Arabia ($1.2M, 5.1%) – Incense used in religious and cultural rituals.

  8. Bangladesh ($1M, 4.3%) – Steady demand for traditional incense sticks.

  9. Nepal ($800K, 3.4%) – Popular for temple rituals and spiritual use.

  10. Germany ($700K, 3%) – Niche market driven by natural, chemical-free incense.

This diverse global footprint underscores Vietnam’s adaptability in catering to both bulk buyers and niche markets.

Leading Vietnam Incense Sticks Manufacturers

Vietnam has a strong supplier base of more than 800 active companies, ranging from small artisanal producers to large-scale exporters. These Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers collectively serve over 60 global markets. The top exporters for 2024–25 include:

  1. Hoang Giang Agarwood Company – $1.6M exports; specializes in agarwood incense, Japan & UAE.

  2. Thien Tam Agarwood – $1.5M; luxury blends, serving Japan, Korea, and Europe.

  3. Nippon Kodo Vietnam, Inc. – $1.3M; premium Japanese-style incense.

  4. Viet Huong Incense – $1.2M; temple incense exported to India and Bangladesh.

  5. Binh Nghia Agarwood Export Co. – $1M; eco-friendly agarwood incense.

  6. Ky Anh Agarwood Incense Unit – $0.9M; premium agarwood blends for East Asia.

  7. Dong Hai Luong – $0.9M; mass-market incense in Asia & Middle East.

  8. Anh Hong Bamboo Incense – $0.8M; large-scale joss stick exporter to South Asia.

  9. Hoa Binh Incense Company – $0.7M; herbal incense like lemongrass & cinnamon.

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

These exporters represent the backbone of Vietnam’s incense industry, balancing heritage with modern trade strategies.

Types of Incense Sticks in Vietnam

Vietnamese suppliers provide a wide range of incense products to meet global demand:

  • Agarwood incense: Premium, long-lasting; popular in Japan and the Middle East.

  • Herbal incense: Made from lemongrass, cinnamon, and clove; favored in Western markets.

  • Traditional joss sticks: Bulk exports to Asian markets like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

  • Raw incense sticks: Semi-processed for re-dipping abroad.

Growing consumer demand for eco-friendly, chemical-free incense has also pushed suppliers to adopt ISO and GMP certifications, ensuring safety and quality for markets in Europe and the U.S.

Industry Insights and Market Trends

  1. Sustainability & Eco-friendly Products – Consumers are demanding natural incense free from harmful chemicals.

  2. Rising Wellness & Aromatherapy – Growth in yoga, meditation, and wellness practices in the West fuels demand.

  3. Product Diversification – Manufacturers are expanding to cones, coils, and backflow incense.

  4. Tourism Boost – Craft hubs like Quảng Phú Cầu have become tourist attractions, further strengthening the industry’s visibility.

Trade analysts reviewing Vietnam shipment data suggest incense exports will continue expanding as both traditional buyers and new niche markets grow.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The incense industry contributes beyond exports:

  • Cultural continuity: Incense burning remains central to Vietnamese spiritual life.

  • Employment: Provides livelihoods to thousands of rural families.

  • SME growth: Many exporters are small-to-medium enterprises, offering agility in global trade.

  • Tourism synergy: Heritage villages attract global visitors, creating additional revenue.

The blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and trade opportunity makes incense sticks Vietnam a unique export commodity.

Conclusion: Future of Vietnam’s Incense Industry

Vietnam’s incense industry is at the crossroads of tradition and modern trade. With strong export growth, competitive pricing, and increasing compliance with global quality standards, the country is positioning itself as a powerful alternative to India in the incense market.

For buyers and traders, Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers present opportunities across diverse product categories—from premium agarwood to bulk joss sticks. Backed by reliable Vietnam import customs data and market insights, stakeholders can make informed sourcing decisions.

As global consumers lean toward eco-friendly, natural, and culturally significant products, the incense sticks industry in Vietnam is set for sustainable growth. By combining artisanal heritage with modern production and expanding export markets, Vietnam is poised to remain a top player in the global incense trade for years to come.