In 2024, Yen Bai recorded notable progress in agricultural exports. The total export value of processed agricultural and forestry products exceeded USD 160 million, accounting for 37.7% of the province’s total export turnover. This upward trajectory continued into the first quarter of 2025, with total estimated export value reaching USD 120.05 million—a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Among the leading products, Van Yen cinnamon remains at the forefront. Yen Bai’s cinnamon not only dominates the domestic market but has also penetrated demanding international markets such as China and Europe, and is now present in the United Kingdom. The total cinnamon cultivation area in the province has surpassed 81,000 hectares, with a growing portion certified as organic.
Nguyen Ba Mao, Production Manager at Vietnam Cinnamon and Star Anise Production and Export Joint Stock Company, shared: "Yen Bai cinnamon stands out for its distinctive aroma and superior quality. We strive to increase the added value of cinnamon through deep processing into a variety of products such as essential oils, cinnamon powder, and handicrafts. We also focus on developing certified organic cinnamon cultivation areas to meet the increasing demand from international markets, especially in the United States and Europe.”
In addition, Suoi Giang Shan Tuyet tea is another highlight in Yen Bai’s agricultural export portfolio. The product has received OCOP certification and has entered the UK market. Both Shan Tuyet black tea and green tea produced by Suoi Giang Cooperative have met European standards and are being exported to the UK and Japan. The Kien Thuan General Service Cooperative has also successfully exported tea to various markets including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.
Furthermore, Seng Cu Muong Lo rice and Tan Tu Le sticky rice, both protected by geographical indication status, are confidently targeting premium market segments.
These achievements would not have been possible without the strong support and commitment of the Yen Bai provincial government. The province has implemented a series of policies and initiatives aimed at facilitating and accelerating the growth of the agricultural sector, particularly with an export-oriented focus. One of the top priorities is to enhance the quality and standards of agricultural and forestry products.
To date, the province has over 23,000 hectares of forest certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and with organic certification. Additionally, 77 planting area codes have been issued to facilitate both domestic consumption and export of various crops. Production processes following VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and Organic standards have been widely implemented across the province. By 2025, Yen Bai aims to ensure traceability for at least 10 key groups of agricultural, forestry, fishery, and food products. Alongside these efforts, the province places strong emphasis on protecting intellectual property rights for its key agricultural products by supporting the registration of geographical indications and brand protection.
Trade promotion and market expansion also receive considerable attention from the provincial authorities. Yen Bai supports businesses in promoting their products through multiple channels, facilitating participation in trade fairs and exhibitions both domestically and internationally. The province also actively assists key agricultural producers in their digital transformation journey. Moreover, various policies have been implemented to directly support agricultural production and processing, encourage the development of concentrated and specialized farming areas, promote the application of science and technology, and facilitate organic and environmentally friendly farming practices. Particularly, the province is committed to building production linkages and agricultural value chains by supporting cooperatives and integrated models for production and consumption.
To further boost consumption and export in the near future, Yen Bai encourages and supports investment in deep processing of key agricultural products such as cinnamon, tea, and bamboo shoots. The province also focuses on building and promoting brands for its specialty agricultural products, leveraging existing geographical indications and expanding them to other potential products. It proactively seeks and explores new export markets in addition to maintaining traditional ones, with a focus on markets that have high demand for organic and high-quality products. Yen Bai continues to support and expand sustainable and organic agricultural models to meet the growing trend of green consumption. At the same time, it promotes stronger collaboration and linkages among farmers, cooperatives, processing companies, and exporters to establish effective and sustainable agricultural value chains—thereby gradually affirming the province’s position as a region rich in agricultural potential on both the national and international agricultural map.
Hung Cuong
