Vietnam has long been admired for its deep cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and devotion to spiritual traditions. Among the many crafts that define its cultural identity, incense sticks Vietnam stand out as both a spiritual symbol and a thriving export commodity. In recent years, the country’s incense industry has witnessed a significant transformation—from local production for temples and households to a globally recognized export sector supplying Asia, Europe, and North America.
A Heritage Industry Turned Global Export Power
The art of incense-making in Vietnam dates back centuries, deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices. Villages like Quảng Phú Cầu, often called the “incense village,” near Hanoi, represent the heart of this traditional craft. Here, thousands of families engage in incense stick production, passing down their skills from one generation to another. The vibrant scenes of red incense sticks drying under the sun have even become a symbol of Vietnamese heritage and creativity.
However, incense production is no longer confined to cultural preservation—it has become a valuable export sector contributing to Vietnam exports. According to Vietnam incense sticks export data, the country exported incense products worth around $23.5 million in 2024, marking a 2% year-on-year increase. This growth underscores how Vietnam is effectively merging traditional craftsmanship with international trade opportunities.
Export Growth and Market Trends
Between March 2023 and February 2024, Vietnam exported nearly 20,000 shipments of incense sticks, reflecting a remarkable 27% annual growth. This performance highlights the sector’s rising international demand and its expanding production capabilities.
Globally, Vietnam ranks as the fourth-largest exporter of incense sticks, holding approximately 14% of the world’s shipment share. India remains the global leader, but Vietnam’s consistent growth positions it as a strong competitor in both volume and quality.
In terms of export value, incense sticks Vietnam brought in around $22 million in 2023 and surpassed $23 million in 2024, reflecting sustained international demand despite global trade fluctuations. The industry’s resilience shows Vietnam’s adaptability and its exporters’ ability to maintain competitiveness through quality and innovation.
Key Export Destinations and Market Insights
Vietnam’s incense sticks reach diverse markets across the globe. The top importers include India, Japan, China, the United States, and South Korea, each contributing to Vietnam’s export success.
- India tops the list with $6.2 million worth of imports, accounting for over 26% of total incense stick exports from Vietnam. Despite being a major producer itself, India imports specialized incense bases and semi-finished products from Vietnam due to their high quality.
- Japan follows with $4.1 million, appreciating Vietnam’s premium agarwood incense and herbal varieties.
- China imports $3.5 million, mainly focusing on temple incense and traditional products.
- The United States has emerged as a growing niche market worth $2.3 million, reflecting rising interest in wellness, aromatherapy, and natural lifestyle products.
- Other key destinations include South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Germany, where demand is driven by religious rituals, wellness culture, and eco-friendly preferences.
These trends reveal how incense sticks in Vietnam have evolved from a purely cultural product into a globally traded commodity aligned with modern consumer interests.
Top Vietnam Incense Sticks Manufacturers and Exporters
The Vietnamese incense industry is home to over 800 active suppliers, ranging from small craft workshops to large-scale manufacturers. The following are some of the leading Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers contributing to the country’s export success in 2024–25:
| Rank | Company | Approx. Export Value | Key Markets | Product Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoang Giang Agarwood Company | $1.6M | Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia | Agarwood incense |
| 2 | Thien Tam Agarwood | $1.5M | Japan, South Korea, Europe | Luxury herbal blends |
| 3 | Nippon Kodo Vietnam, Inc. | $1.3M | Japan, U.S., Europe | Premium Japanese-style incense |
| 4 | Viet Huong Incense | $1.2M | India, Nepal, Bangladesh | Joss sticks, temple incense |
| 5 | Binh Nghia Agarwood Export Co. | $1M | China, Japan, Korea | Natural agarwood incense |
Each of these companies has developed its niche in the global incense market. From Hoang Giang’s eco-friendly agarwood incense to Nippon Kodo’s high-end aromatic products, Vietnamese exporters are combining artisanal expertise with advanced manufacturing techniques to meet diverse international preferences.
Product Categories and Quality Standards
Incense sticks Vietnam cover a wide range of product categories catering to different cultural and commercial needs:
- Agarwood incense: A premium product, especially favored in Japan and the Middle East.
- Herbal incense: Made from natural ingredients like lemongrass, cinnamon, and clove, gaining popularity in Western markets.
- Traditional joss sticks: Bulk exports primarily for Asian religious and spiritual use.
- Raw incense sticks: Semi-finished products exported for fragrance dipping abroad.
Buyers are advised to source from certified Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers that follow ISO or GMP standards. Many suppliers now prioritize eco-friendly processes, chemical-free materials, and organic certification—key factors for success in European and U.S. markets.
Production Hubs and Craftsmanship
The soul of incense production in Vietnam lies in its traditional craft villages. Quảng Phú Cầu, near Hanoi, stands as the country’s most iconic hub, employing nearly 3,000 households in incense stick production. The village has become both an economic engine and a tourist destination, famed for its colorful “fields of incense sticks.”
Other notable regions include Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, and Ho Chi Minh City, where manufacturers produce various incense types, from bamboo-based joss sticks to aromatic herbal blends. This regional diversity enriches Vietnam’s product portfolio and supports its export growth.
Market Outlook: A Sustainable Future Ahead
The future of incense sticks in Vietnam looks bright, supported by global trends favoring sustainability, mindfulness, and natural wellness products. As consumers worldwide seek eco-friendly and chemical-free options, Vietnam is well-positioned to meet that demand through its blend of heritage and innovation.
Exporters are also diversifying their offerings with cone incense, backflow incense, and coil incense, catering to new customer segments in aromatherapy and home fragrance markets.
Furthermore, the industry’s role extends beyond commerce—it sustains rural employment, promotes small and medium enterprises, and preserves traditional craftsmanship. This cultural and economic synergy ensures that incense production remains a vital part of Vietnam’s national identity.
Conclusion: Vietnam’s Fragrant Path to Global Growth
In conclusion, incense sticks Vietnam represent more than just a trade commodity—they are a symbol of Vietnam’s artistry, spirituality, and entrepreneurial growth. With over 800 exporters, robust Vietnam trade data, and rising global recognition, the industry continues to strengthen its position in the global incense market.
As Vietnam incense sticks manufacturers adopt modern techniques, improve quality standards, and target new markets, their products are gaining traction among international buyers seeking authenticity and sustainability.
For businesses and traders, sourcing incense from Vietnam offers both cultural value and commercial opportunity. And for data-driven professionals, connecting with a reliable Vietnam trade data provider can unlock detailed insights into market trends, pricing, and export performance.
Vietnam’s incense industry truly exemplifies the nation’s motto—preserving tradition while embracing global trade. With demand continuing to rise and innovation driving expansion, the sweet fragrance of Vietnamese incense is set to spread even further across the world.