VINAGRI News - Cassava, bay, banana, and sweet potato leaves emerge as niche export stars amid rising global demand for natural and green ingredients.
Summary:
> Vietnam earned nearly USD 9 million from leaf exports in the first eight months of 2025, up 27% year-on-year.
> Cassava leaves remain the top product, while bay leaves recorded the strongest growth (+68.5%).
> Demand surges from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Islamic countries for culinary and eco-friendly uses.
> Export prices are 3 - 4 times higher than domestic rates, reflecting value-added potential.
Vietnam’s humble leafy plants - such as cassava, bay, banana, and sweet potato leaves - are becoming increasingly popular in foreign markets, helping the country earn close to USD 9 million in export revenue during the first eight months of 2025.
According to the General Department of Customs, August alone saw leaf exports reach nearly USD 1.2 million, a 13% increase compared to the same month last year. Cumulatively, the eight-month value stood at about USD 9 million (VND 232 billion), marking a 27% year-on-year rise.
Among the exported varieties, cassava leaves were the leading item, generating nearly USD 3 million. However, bay leaves saw the most impressive growth, surging 68.5% from last year. Other products, including banana leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and sweet potato leaves, also rose by 20 - 80%, driven by expanding culinary and food processing demand.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), noted that cassava leaves enjoy stable demand in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and several Muslim-majority countries, where they are used in curries and stews for their high protein and vitamin content. Some Vietnamese firms have even moved up the value chain by exporting frozen pureed cassava leaves to the food processing industry.
In Vietnam, fresh cassava leaves are priced at just VND 3,000 - 5,000 per kg, but export prices can triple or quadruple, reaching VND 70,000 per kg in retail markets abroad. Banana leaves, traditionally used for wrapping sticky rice and cakes, are now in demand as eco-friendly packaging, while sweet potato leaves have gained popularity as a premium leafy vegetable in Japan and South Korea.
According to Mr. Nguyen, though leaf exports make up only a small share of Vietnam’s total fruit and vegetable exports, they represent a “dual opportunity” - utilizing agricultural by-products while tapping into high-value niche markets.
He added that Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports are rebounding strongly, with September shipments estimated at nearly USD 1.3 billion, the highest September figure on record. If this momentum continues, the sector could surpass USD 8 billion in total exports for 2025, well above the initial target.
Agricultural experts highlighted that Vietnamese leaves are nutrient-rich, containing proteins, minerals, and amino acids that support cell regeneration and immune health. Additionally, their use as natural packaging or culinary ingredients aligns with the global “green gastronomy” trend promoting sustainable and eco-friendly consumption.
NPK/ Vinagri News
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