Cinnamon (Raw) Production by Country 2025
Cinnamon represents a premium spice crop with limited global production, with China leading at 91,892 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 91,667 tonnes by 2025. Total global output stood at 238,403 tonnes in 2023, marking a 0.5% gain from 2022. Vietnam follows with 65,341 tonnes, while Indonesia produces 55,213 tonnes. This aromatic bark (Cinnamomum species) serves as essential spice in cuisines worldwide, valued for its sweet, warm flavor and medicinal properties. Production remains concentrated in just 9 countries, primarily in Asia, reflecting the crop's specific climatic requirements and traditional cultivation regions.
China leads with 91,892 tonnes, showing growth from 78,591 in 2018, driven by expanding cultivation in Guangxi, Guangdong, and Yunnan provinces. Chinese production primarily involves cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), distinct from Ceylon cinnamon, with thicker bark and stronger flavor. The crop serves domestic consumption in traditional medicine, cooking, and food processing, while exports supply international markets. China dominates global cassia cinnamon trade. Modern processing facilities improve quality and value addition. Government programs support quality standards and export infrastructure development. Vietnam produces 65,341 tonnes with dramatic growth from 39,135 to 70,000, driven by expanding cultivation and improved processing. Indonesia contributes 55,213 tonnes, showing volatility from 76,922 to 48,836 before recovery. Both countries cultivate cassia cinnamon varieties. Production serves domestic markets and exports, particularly to Middle East, Europe, and North America. Timor-Leste adds 124 tonnes as emerging producer. Southeast Asian production benefits from suitable tropical climate and traditional cultivation expertise. However, quality variability and market competition challenge premium positioning. Sri Lanka produces 22,410 tonnes of Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), considered premium variety with delicate flavor and thin, multi-layered bark. Production concentrates in southwestern coastal regions where traditional cultivation methods persist. Ceylon cinnamon commands premium prices $15-30/kg compared to cassia $3-8/kg. Sri Lanka dominates global Ceylon cinnamon market, supplying specialty and health food sectors. However, limited production volumes and labor-intensive processing constrain expansion. The country maintains geographical indication protection for Ceylon cinnamon. Madagascar contributes 3,249 tonnes, maintaining stable production around 3,200 tonnes. Small island producers including Grenada (82 tonnes), Sao Tome and Principe (58 tonnes), and Dominica (34 tonnes) maintain niche production. These countries cultivate cinnamon as cash crop for export markets. Production remains modest but provides income diversification for smallholder farmers. Quality varies depending on processing methods and tree age. Limited production volumes restrict market access to specialty channels. Cinnamon serves multiple applications: culinary spice in baking, beverages, and savory dishes; traditional medicine for blood sugar regulation and anti-inflammatory effects; food preservation due to antimicrobial properties; essential oil extraction for perfumes and aromatherapy; dietary supplements for metabolic health. Growing health consciousness drives demand as cinnamon gains recognition for potential diabetes management and antioxidant benefits. Food industry uses cinnamon in cereals, beverages, and confections. Cinnamon trees thrive in tropical climates with temperatures 20-30°C and rainfall 2000-2,500mm. Trees begin producing bark in 2-3 years, reaching optimal production at 6-8 years. Harvesting involves cutting branches, removing outer bark, and peeling inner bark which curls into quills when dried. Ceylon cinnamon requires skilled labor for thin bark peeling. Cassia cinnamon uses thicker bark with simpler processing. Drying methods affect quality and flavor. Trees can produce for 30-40 years with proper management. Diseases including root rot and leaf spot require management. Cinnamon prices vary widely: Ceylon cinnamon $15-30/kg for premium grades, cassia cinnamon $3-8/kg for commercial grades. China and Indonesia dominate cassia exports, Sri Lanka controls Ceylon cinnamon market. Growing demand for natural spices and health supplements drives consumption. However, quality variability and adulteration concerns require certification. Organic and fair-trade cinnamon command premium prices. Essential oil market provides value-added opportunities. Competition between cassia and Ceylon cinnamon affects market dynamics. Global cinnamon production projected to remain stable through 2025 around 240,000 tonnes, with China and Vietnam maintaining dominance in cassia production. Growing health consciousness supports consumption as cinnamon gains recognition for metabolic benefits. Specialty markets value Ceylon cinnamon's premium quality. Climate change poses minimal risks as cinnamon tolerates tropical conditions. The industry invests in quality improvement, organic certification, and value-added processing. Cinnamon's culinary importance and emerging health applications ensure continued demand despite limited production expansion. Market differentiation between cassia and Ceylon cinnamon creates opportunities for premium positioning.🏆 China's Market Leadership
Cinnamon (Raw) Production by Country 2025
1
91,667
2
66,171
3
54,483
4
23,080
5
3,244
6
122
7
81
8
58
9
34
🌏 Southeast Asian Production
🌍 Sri Lankan Ceylon Cinnamon
🌴 Island Production
💪 Uses and Health Benefits
🌱 Cultivation and Processing
📈 Market Dynamics and Trade
🔮 Market Outlook
Cinnamon (Raw) Production by Country 2025
#
1
78,591
80,000
92,000
93,288
90,211
91,892
91,667
2
39,135
42,000
44,000
70,000
65,000
65,341
66,171
3
76,922
72,773
48,836
52,260
54,748
55,213
54,483
4
24,020
24,821
22,910
23,730
23,764
22,410
23,080
5
3,167
3,245
3,271
3,227
3,248
3,249
3,244
6
115
115
119
119
121
124
122
7
79
79
79
79
82
82
81
8
58
58
58
58
58
58
58
9
34
33
34
34
34
34
34
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most cinnamon in the world?
China is the world's largest cinnamon producer with 91,892 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 91,667 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 38% of global production. Vietnam ranks second with 65,341 tonnes, followed by Indonesia at 55,213 tonnes. China's production concentrates in Guangxi, Guangdong, and Yunnan provinces, primarily cultivating cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) with thicker bark and stronger flavor than Ceylon cinnamon. Chinese production serves domestic consumption in traditional medicine and cooking while dominating global cassia cinnamon exports.
What's the difference between Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) from Sri Lanka features delicate flavor, thin multi-layered bark, and light tan color, commanding premium prices $15-30/kg. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia has stronger flavor, thicker single-layer bark, and darker color, selling for $3-8/kg. Ceylon cinnamon contains minimal coumarin (potentially harmful in large doses), while cassia has higher coumarin content. Health-conscious consumers prefer Ceylon cinnamon, while food industry uses cassia for stronger flavor and lower cost. Sri Lanka dominates Ceylon cinnamon market with geographical indication protection.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 07.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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