Vietnam Bay Leaf Importer Companies

Published: 2026-08-23 | Writer: TurkExim | Page ID: PNUM6646

Vietnam represents one of the most significant bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) import markets for Turkish exporters. According to TradeMap data, Vietnam imported bay leaves worth USD 19.896 million from Turkey in 2016 alone, establishing the country as a top-tier destination for Turkish bay leaf exports. Vietnam is also a major spice-producing and trading nation in its own right, being one of the world leading exporters of pepper, cinnamon, and star anise. However, the country domestic demand for herbs and spices used in its flourishing food processing industry, pharmaceutical sector, and traditional medicine applications continues to drive substantial import volumes. The combination of a growing middle class, expanding food processing sector, and increasing awareness of natural health products positions Vietnam as a strategically important market for international bay leaf suppliers, particularly those from Turkey, which is one of the world largest bay leaf producers.

Vietnam Spice Market Overview

Vietnam spice market has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by both robust export performance and increasing domestic consumption. According to Ken Research, the Vietnam spice market was valued at USD 1,820 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2,817 million by 2030, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 percent over the 2025-2030 forecast period. This growth trajectory is supported by multiple factors including the expansion of the food processing industry, rising consumer interest in natural and organic food products, and the growing use of spices in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Vietnam is globally recognized as a leading producer and exporter of black pepper, cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, with spice exports reaching over 100 countries worldwide.

Despite being a major spice producer, Vietnam maintains active import volumes for specific spice categories that are not widely cultivated domestically. Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is one such product, as the Mediterranean climate required for optimal bay leaf cultivation is not available in Vietnam tropical climate. Turkish bay leaf, known for its high essential oil content, aromatic profile, and consistent quality, has become a preferred sourcing option for Vietnamese importers. The USD 19.896 million import figure from Turkey in 2016 demonstrates the scale of this trade relationship. Vietnam food processing industry, which produces a wide range of products including sauces, seasonings, processed meats, and ready-to-eat meals, relies heavily on imported dried herbs and spices to meet formulation requirements and quality standards demanded by both domestic and international markets.

The bilateral trade relationship between Turkey and Vietnam has continued to strengthen over the years. Turkey total exports to Vietnam reached USD 456.41 million in 2025, according to UN COMTRADE data, covering a diverse range of product categories. Within this trade flow, spices and dried herbs represent a niche but commercially significant segment, with bay leaf being one of the standout products. Turkish exporters benefit from the established reputation of Turkish bay leaf in international markets, competitive pricing relative to European competitors, and the ability to supply in bulk quantities with consistent quality standards.

Sample Import Record: Spice Shipment to Vietnam

The following table presents a verified import record for a spice shipment arriving in Vietnam under HS code 09109910. This record demonstrates the active nature of Vietnam spice import market and provides insight into the type of companies, shipping terms, and product specifications involved in these transactions. While this specific shipment involves thyme rather than bay leaf, it falls under the same HS code classification and involves a major Vietnamese spice company that also handles bay leaf products.

Import Transaction Details

Shipment and Payment Details

Pearl Group Corporation - Company Profile

Pearl Group Corporation (Cong ty co phan tap doan tran chau) is one of Vietnam leading manufacturers and exporters of spice products. Founded in 2006 and headquartered at 147 Quoc Lo 13, Phuong 26, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, the company has grown over two decades to become a significant player in the global spice trade. Pearl Group corporate portfolio encompasses a wide range of spice products including black pepper, white pepper, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, turmeric, ginger, and various dried herbs. The company export market has expanded to cover over 100 countries across continents, successfully penetrating even the most demanding markets such as Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East, as stated on the company official website and LinkedIn profile.

Pearl Group dual role as both an exporter of Vietnamese spices and an importer of non-native herbs and spices makes it a particularly relevant contact point for Turkish bay leaf exporters seeking to enter the Vietnamese market. The company import activity under HS code 09109910, as evidenced by the verified customs record detailed above, demonstrates its active participation in the spice import channel. With an importer registration ID of 0304255715 and a direct telephone line at 028 37272426, Pearl Group maintains a professional import-export infrastructure with established relationships with customs authorities at major Vietnamese ports, including the Saigon Port Area 1 customs branch (HQSGKV1) through which the documented thyme shipment was cleared.

The fact that Pearl Group sourced thyme from Egypt in the documented transaction, rather than from Turkey, highlights both the competitive dynamics of the global spice trade and the opportunity for Turkish exporters. Turkish thyme and bay leaf are widely recognized for their superior quality, particularly in terms of essential oil content and aroma profile. By engaging directly with companies like Pearl Group Corporation, Turkish spice exporters can position their products as premium alternatives to current sourcing destinations, leveraging Turkey reputation for high-quality herbs and spices built over decades of export experience to markets worldwide.

HS Code 09109910 - Thyme and Bay Leaves

HS code 09109910 falls under Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System, which covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices. Specifically, this code is a subheading of heading 0910 (ginger, saffron, turmeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices) and covers thyme and bay leaves, whether whole, crushed, or ground. The classification of both thyme and bay leaves under a single HS code is notable for trade data analysis purposes, as it means that aggregate import and export statistics for this code represent the combined trade volume of two distinct product categories. Turkey is a major producer and exporter of both products, with bay leaf (defne yapragi) being particularly significant in the Turkish context.

HS 09109910 Code Details

The customs duty structure for HS 09109910 in Vietnam is relatively favorable for importers, with an MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff rate of approximately 5 percent applied at the border. Additionally, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 10 percent is levied on imported spice products. For Turkish exporters, it is important to note that Vietnam and Turkey do not currently have a bilateral free trade agreement in force, meaning that the standard MFN duty rate applies. However, the relatively low duty rate of 5 percent, combined with the competitive pricing of Turkish bay leaf, means that the total landed cost remains attractive for Vietnamese buyers. Turkish exporters should also be aware of Vietnam phytosanitary requirements for dried herbs, which include certificates of origin, fumigation certificates, and compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides and heavy metals.

Turkey-Vietnam Bay Leaf Trade Relationship

The trade relationship between Turkey and Vietnam in the context of bay leaf exports represents one of the most commercially significant bilateral spice trade flows in the Asia-Pacific region. According to TradeMap data referenced in earlier analyses, Vietnam imported USD 19.896 million worth of bay leaves from Turkey in 2016, a figure that underscores the scale and importance of this trade channel. Turkey is one of the world largest producers of bay leaf (Laurus nobilis), with major cultivation regions concentrated along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, particularly in provinces such as Antalya, Mugla, Isparta, and Mersin. The favorable Mediterranean climate of these regions provides ideal growing conditions for bay laurel trees, resulting in high-quality leaves with robust essential oil content and aromatic intensity that are well-suited to the requirements of the Vietnamese food processing industry.

Vietnam demand for imported bay leaf is driven by several factors. First, the country food processing industry has experienced rapid growth, fueled by both domestic consumption and export-oriented production. Processed food manufacturers use bay leaf as a key ingredient in soup bases, stock preparations, marinades, and seasoning blends. Second, Vietnam traditional medicine (Dong Y) and pharmaceutical industries utilize bay leaf extracts for their purported digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Third, the hospitality and restaurant sector, which serves both domestic patrons and millions of international tourists annually, requires consistent supplies of dried herbs including bay leaf for culinary applications. These diverse demand drivers ensure a stable and growing market for Turkish bay leaf exports to Vietnam.

The logistics of Turkey-Vietnam bay leaf trade typically involve maritime shipping, with containers departing from Turkish ports such as Mersin or Izmir and arriving at Vietnamese ports including Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), Hai Phong, or Da Nang. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) is the most commonly used Incoterm, as evidenced by the sample import record for Pearl Group Corporation. Payment terms generally involve Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) or Letter of Credit (L/C), with typical lead times ranging from 25 to 45 days depending on the shipping route and carrier. Turkish exporters seeking to supply the Vietnamese market should ensure compliance with Vietnam food safety regulations, maintain consistent product quality, and be prepared to provide samples for quality evaluation before entering into supply agreements.

Global Bay Leaf Market Outlook

The global bay leaf market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 894.9 million in 2025, advancing toward an estimated USD 1,478.4 million by 2035, according to Future Market Insights. This growth trajectory, representing a steady compound annual growth rate, is driven by increasing consumer demand for natural flavoring agents, the expansion of the processed food industry, and the growing popularity of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines worldwide. Bay leaf is a versatile culinary herb used in a wide range of applications including soups, stews, rice dishes, meat preparations, and pickling solutions. Its essential oil, which contains compounds such as eucalyptol, alpha-pinene, and linalool, also finds applications in aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.

Within this global market, the Asia-Pacific region represents a significant and growing segment. Countries like Vietnam, with its expanding food processing sector and increasing consumer sophistication, are key drivers of regional demand. The fact that Vietnam imported nearly USD 20 million worth of bay leaves from Turkey in a single year (2016) illustrates the commercial scale of this market opportunity. Turkish bay leaf exporters are well-positioned to capture a share of this growing demand due to their geographic proximity to Asian markets, competitive production costs, established export infrastructure, and the internationally recognized quality of Turkish herbs and spices. The Vietnam spice market projected growth from USD 1,820 million to USD 2,817 million by 2030 further reinforces the strategic importance of this market for Turkish bay leaf exporters looking to diversify and expand their customer base in Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much bay leaf does Vietnam import from Turkey?

According to TradeMap data, Vietnam imported bay leaves worth USD 19.896 million from Turkey in 2016. This figure represents one of the largest bilateral bay leaf trade flows globally and underscores Vietnam importance as a destination market for Turkish bay leaf exports. Trade volumes have continued to evolve since 2016, and current data suggests sustained demand.

What is the HS code for bay leaf imports in Vietnam?

Bay leaf imports into Vietnam are classified under HS code 09109910, which covers thyme and bay leaves under Chapter 09 (Coffee, Tea, Mate and Spices). This code applies to bay leaves whether whole, crushed, or ground. The Vietnamese MFN import duty rate for this code is approximately 5 percent, with an additional 10 percent VAT.

Who are the main bay leaf importer companies in Vietnam?

Pearl Group Corporation, headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the identified bay leaf and spice importers operating under HS code 09109910. Founded in 2006, Pearl Group is a leading manufacturer and exporter of spices with import-export operations covering over 100 countries. The complete list of Vietnam bay leaf importer companies is available through the TurkExim platform.

What is the Vietnam spice market size?

The Vietnam spice market was valued at USD 1,820 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2,817 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5 percent over the 2025-2030 period. The global bay leaf market specifically is forecast to grow from USD 894.9 million (2025) to USD 1,478.4 million by 2035.

What shipping terms are used for bay leaf exports to Vietnam?

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) is the most commonly used Incoterm for spice shipments to Vietnam, as evidenced by verified import records. Maritime shipping is the primary mode of transport, with typical lead times of 25-45 days from Turkish ports (Mersin, Izmir) to Vietnamese ports (Cat Lai, Hai Phong, Da Nang). Payment is typically handled via T/T or L/C.

What are the phytosanitary requirements for exporting bay leaf to Vietnam?

Exporters of bay leaf to Vietnam must comply with the country phytosanitary regulations, which include providing a certificate of origin, fumigation certificate, and phytosanitary certificate. Products must also comply with maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides and heavy metals as stipulated by Vietnamese food safety authorities. Proper drying, cleaning, and packaging to prevent moisture and contamination are essential requirements.

Contact for Vietnam Bay Leaf Importer List

Turkish bay leaf exporters seeking to access the complete Vietnam bay leaf importer company list can reach out through the TurkExim contact page. The full database includes verified company names, contact details, import volumes, and shipment histories to help you establish direct business connections with active Vietnamese buyers in the bay leaf and spice sector.

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