From Byproduct to “Green Gold”: Vietnam’s Globally Sought-After Commodity Surges 10x in Value Overseas

Vietnam boasts extensive cultivation areas for cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, and lemons, primarily harvested for their tubers and fruits. Traditionally, the stems and leaves are utilized as organic fertilizer or animal feed post-harvest.

In recent years, forward-thinking enterprises have recognized the untapped potential of these by-products, transforming them into high-value exports. What were once discarded leaves have now become a lucrative source of income for Vietnam’s agricultural sector, generating hundreds of billions of VND and paving the way for green and circular agriculture.

According to the General Department of Customs, in August, Vietnam’s leaf exports reached nearly $1.2 million, a 13% increase year-over-year. For the first 8 months of the year, total exports amounted to approximately $9 million (232 billion VND), marking a 27% rise compared to the same period last year.

Among the exported items, cassava leaves continue to dominate, earning nearly $3 million. Domestically, these leaves fetch only 3,000–5,000 VND/kg, but when exported, their value can surge by 3–4 times, reaching up to 70,000 VND/kg in retail markets.

Cassava leaves enjoy steady demand in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and several Muslim-majority countries. Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, they are prized in curries and stews.

Beyond raw exports, some Vietnamese companies have innovated by processing cassava leaves into pureed, frozen products for the food industry. This value-added approach elevates agricultural by-products into high-value commodities on the global market.

Bay leaves saw the most significant growth, soaring by 68.5%. Other products like banana leaves, lemon leaves, and sweet potato leaves also experienced impressive growth, ranging from 20% to 80%, thanks to their versatility in cuisine, food processing, and eco-friendly packaging.

In the first 8 months of 2025, leaf products accounted for nearly 5.3% of the nation’s vegetable and fruit export turnover. According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, while representing a small share of total exports, leaf products offer a “dual opportunity” for Vietnamese agriculture. They maximize post-harvest by-products while tapping into niche, high-value markets with minimal competition.

Vietnam’s vast natural resources provide a plentiful supply of leaves for export. To sustain growth, businesses must standardize harvesting, processing, and preservation practices while building distinct brands for each product line. Meeting stringent food safety and traceability standards in demanding import markets is crucial, as even minor violations can lead to rejected shipments or market loss.

Additionally, brand development and diversification into deep-processed products (dried, pureed, frozen leaves) are essential for enhancing export value and mitigating risks tied to short-term demand fluctuations. This sustainable approach bolsters export value, reduces risks, and solidifies Vietnamese agricultural products’ global standing.