According to statistics from the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA), Taiwan imported over 1,635 tons of cinnamon (HS 0906; English description: Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers) from 14 trading partners worldwide in 2024, with a total import value of USD 4.31 million — down 15.77% in volume and 12.97% in valuecompared to 2023.
Vietnam – Taiwan’s Largest Cinnamon Supplier
Vietnam remained the largest supplier of cinnamon to Taiwan in 2024, exporting 1,097 tons worth USD 3.17 million.
Although exports dropped 16.81% in volume and 15.15% in value compared to 2023, Vietnam still held a dominant 67.09% market share by volume and 73.7% by value.
China ranked as the second-largest supplier, exporting 507.31 tons of cinnamon to Taiwan, valued at USD 905,040 — a 15.5% decrease in volume and 9.19% decrease in value year-on-year.
China accounted for 31.02% of total import volume and 20.99% of total import value in 2024.
Together, Vietnam and China supplied 98.01% of Taiwan’s total cinnamon imports for the year.
Other exporters included Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Import Policy and Tariff Information
According to Taiwan’s Customs Tariff Classification Table, cinnamon and related products are classified under HS Code 0906.
Under Taiwan’s updated Customs Tariff Schedule, cinnamon and cassia imports from WTO member countries, including Vietnam, enjoy a 0% MFN tariff rate.
However, for cinnamon products used in traditional Chinese medicine, importers are required to obtain a Business License and accurately label the goods with their Chinese medicine ingredient names. These products fall under the following regulatory codes:
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Code 513 and 502 – for Chinese medicinal ingredients or powdered herbs
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Code F01 – subject to inspection by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA)
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Code H02 – for products requiring legal verification of imported herbal medicine, as announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW)
Importers must submit an application for TFDA legal inspection before clearance.