GITNUXREPORT 2026

Incense Industry Statistics

The global incense market is growing robustly, driven by wellness trends and strong Asian production.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

72% of consumers prefer natural scents in incense surveys.

Statistic 2

45% of millennials use incense for yoga/meditation daily.

Statistic 3

Women account for 62% of incense buyers globally.

Statistic 4

35% rise in home use of incense post-2020 pandemic.

Statistic 5

Sandalwood scent preferred by 28% of US consumers.

Statistic 6

52% of buyers seek eco-friendly incense packaging.

Statistic 7

Online reviews influence 70% of incense purchases.

Statistic 8

Lavender incense bought by 40% for sleep aid.

Statistic 9

25% of Gen Z experiment with custom-blend incense.

Statistic 10

Subscription boxes for incense grew 30% user base.

Statistic 11

68% avoid chemical-heavy incense post-awareness campaigns.

Statistic 12

Nag Champa holds 15% loyalty among repeat buyers.

Statistic 13

41% purchase incense during festive seasons.

Statistic 14

Aromatherapy users: 55% incorporate incense weekly.

Statistic 15

Price sensitivity: 60% opt under $10/pack.

Statistic 16

Social media drives 33% impulse incense buys.

Statistic 17

50% prefer stick over cone formats.

Statistic 18

Pet owners 20% less likely to buy scented incense.

Statistic 19

75% repeat purchase same brand if scent consistent.

Statistic 20

Wellness influencers boost sales 40% for endorsed scents.

Statistic 21

38% use incense for mood enhancement at work.

Statistic 22

Organic certification sways 65% premium buyers.

Statistic 23

Trial sizes purchased by 45% first-time users.

Statistic 24

55% integrate incense in daily spiritual practices.

Statistic 25

Color-coded packaging influences 30% selection.

Statistic 26

India incense consumption 80% for religious purposes.

Statistic 27

US: 42% buy for home fragrance only.

Statistic 28

Asia-Pacific dominates with 50% religious use.

Statistic 29

The global incense market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%.

Statistic 30

In 2023, the incense sticks segment accounted for 65% of the total incense market revenue worldwide.

Statistic 31

Asia-Pacific dominated the incense market with a 45% share in 2022, driven by cultural rituals in India and China.

Statistic 32

The premium incense segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2030 due to rising demand for artisanal products.

Statistic 33

US incense market size reached USD 250 million in 2023, with online sales contributing 30% of total revenue.

Statistic 34

India's incense export value hit USD 450 million in FY2022, up 15% YoY.

Statistic 35

The organic incense market grew by 12% in 2023, reaching USD 180 million globally.

Statistic 36

Europe incense market expected to reach EUR 400 million by 2027 at 6.8% CAGR.

Statistic 37

Backflow incense cones segment valued at USD 150 million in 2023.

Statistic 38

Global incense market CAGR forecasted at 8.1% through 2032, driven by wellness trends.

Statistic 39

Japan's incense market stood at JPY 50 billion in 2022.

Statistic 40

E-commerce sales in incense grew 25% YoY to USD 300 million in 2023.

Statistic 41

Luxury incense brands captured 18% market share in 2023, valued at USD 250 million.

Statistic 42

Middle East incense market projected to grow at 10% CAGR to USD 120 million by 2028.

Statistic 43

Vegan incense segment reached USD 90 million in 2023.

Statistic 44

Brazil incense market valued at BRL 200 million in 2022.

Statistic 45

Scented incense sticks market size USD 800 million in 2023.

Statistic 46

Post-COVID incense demand surged 22% in home wellness category.

Statistic 47

Australia incense market at AUD 100 million in 2023.

Statistic 48

Handmade incense niche grew 15% to USD 120 million globally.

Statistic 49

China incense production market valued at CNY 10 billion in 2022.

Statistic 50

Incense market in spas/hotels segment USD 200 million in 2023.

Statistic 51

Sustainable incense market projected USD 350 million by 2027.

Statistic 52

UK incense retail sales GBP 80 million in 2023.

Statistic 53

Incense cones global market USD 400 million in 2023.

Statistic 54

Africa incense market emerging at USD 50 million in 2023, 12% CAGR.

Statistic 55

Digital marketing boosted incense sales by 18% in 2023.

Statistic 56

Incense for meditation apps integration market USD 70 million.

Statistic 57

Global incense wholesale turnover USD 900 million in 2023.

Statistic 58

Pet-safe incense segment USD 40 million in 2023.

Statistic 59

India produced 1.2 million tons of incense sticks in 2022.

Statistic 60

China manufactures 60% of world's incense, over 800,000 tons annually.

Statistic 61

Vietnam's incense output reached 150,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 62

Top 10 Indian factories produce 40% of domestic incense, 500,000 tons.

Statistic 63

Bamboo sticks used in 85% of global incense production, 2 billion sticks/year.

Statistic 64

Nepal handmade incense production 20,000 tons/year from 5,000 artisans.

Statistic 65

US domestic production 50,000 tons of incense in 2023.

Statistic 66

Charcoal incense disks produced 100 million units in Egypt 2023.

Statistic 67

Indonesia exported raw incense materials from 300,000 tons production.

Statistic 68

Organic incense production in Europe 15,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 69

Machine-made incense constitutes 70% of Indian output, 900,000 tons.

Statistic 70

Japan traditional production 10,000 tons/year using agarwood.

Statistic 71

Brazil agarbatti factories output 30,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 72

Raw material sourcing: 1.5 million tons of charcoal for incense globally.

Statistic 73

500 factories in Karnataka, India produce 60% national incense.

Statistic 74

Tibetan incense handmade by 2,000 monks, 5,000 tons/year.

Statistic 75

Synthetic fragrance use in 40% of mass-produced incense.

Statistic 76

Waterfall incense cones production ramped to 50 million units in China.

Statistic 77

EU regulations limit production to 20,000 tons natural incense.

Statistic 78

Malaysia palm powder for incense 100,000 tons processed.

Statistic 79

Artisanal US production 10,000 tons, 20% handmade.

Statistic 80

Global incense waste from production 200,000 tons/year.

Statistic 81

Hyderabad, India cluster produces 200,000 tons/year.

Statistic 82

Fragrance oil consumption 50,000 tons for incense.

Statistic 83

Solar-powered incense factories in India: 50 units, 10% output.

Statistic 84

Thailand joss stick production 80,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 85

Powder mixing automation in 60% Chinese plants.

Statistic 86

North America incense market 25% share in 2023.

Statistic 87

India holds 35% of global incense production capacity.

Statistic 88

China incense exports USD 300 million to Europe in 2022.

Statistic 89

EU imports 40% incense from Asia, valued EUR 150 million.

Statistic 90

Middle East bakhoor market USD 200 million, Saudi 50%.

Statistic 91

Japan domestic sales 70% of its incense market.

Statistic 92

Vietnam growing at 11% CAGR in SE Asia incense.

Statistic 93

US West Coast 40% of national incense sales.

Statistic 94

Africa Sub-Saharan incense market USD 80 million Nigeria lead.

Statistic 95

Brazil LATAM leader with 30% regional share.

Statistic 96

South Korea K-incense trend USD 100 million market.

Statistic 97

Australia Oceania 5% global, AUD 150 million.

Statistic 98

Germany EU largest importer 25% of bloc.

Statistic 99

Indonesia SE Asia 20% production share.

Statistic 100

Mexico North America growth 9% CAGR.

Statistic 101

UAE Dubai free zone 60% ME incense trade.

Statistic 102

Russia CIS market USD 50 million expanding.

Statistic 103

Thailand tourist-driven 40% sales boost.

Statistic 104

Canada bilingual packaging 15% market growth.

Statistic 105

Egypt Arab world 35% bakhoor production.

Statistic 106

France premium niche 20% EU luxury incense.

Statistic 107

Philippines emerging 10% SE Asia growth.

Statistic 108

UK post-Brexit imports down 5%, local up 12%.

Statistic 109

Turkey bridge Europe-Asia USD 70 million.

Statistic 110

South Africa gateway Africa 25% continental.

Statistic 111

Global incense exports reached USD 1.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 112

India exported incense to 120 countries, top USA 30%.

Statistic 113

China-US incense trade volume USD 200 million annually.

Statistic 114

EU anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese incense 10%.

Statistic 115

Top export product: agarbatti USD 500 million from India.

Statistic 116

US imports 80% incense from Asia, USD 180 million.

Statistic 117

Saudi Arabia imports bakhoor USD 150 million India.

Statistic 118

Free trade agreements boosted ASEAN incense trade 20%.

Statistic 119

Nepal GSP benefits exports USD 20 million to EU.

Statistic 120

Brazil exports to USA grew 15% to USD 10 million.

Statistic 121

Japan luxury incense exports JPY 5 billion.

Statistic 122

Tariff rates average 5% on incense globally.

Statistic 123

Online B2B platforms 40% of incense trade volume.

Statistic 124

Indonesia to Middle East exports USD 50 million.

Statistic 125

UK post-Brexit incense imports from India up 10%.

Statistic 126

Container shipments incense 100,000 TEU/year.

Statistic 127

Organic incense trade certified USD 100 million.

Statistic 128

Russia sanctions impact Chinese incense down 8%.

Statistic 129

Australia quarantine rules block 5% imports.

Statistic 130

Top ports: Mumbai 30% India incense exports.

Statistic 131

Currency fluctuations affected 12% trade value 2023.

Statistic 132

E-commerce cross-border incense USD 150 million.

Statistic 133

Vietnam CPTPP exports grew 25% to Canada.

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While the ancient tradition of burning incense might seem timeless, today it's powering a booming modern industry set to double from a $1.2 billion market to over $2 billion by 2028, fueled by everything from spiritual practices in Asia-Pacific to the explosive growth of online wellness trends worldwide.

Key Takeaways

  • The global incense market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%.
  • In 2023, the incense sticks segment accounted for 65% of the total incense market revenue worldwide.
  • Asia-Pacific dominated the incense market with a 45% share in 2022, driven by cultural rituals in India and China.
  • India produced 1.2 million tons of incense sticks in 2022.
  • China manufactures 60% of world's incense, over 800,000 tons annually.
  • Vietnam's incense output reached 150,000 tons in 2023.
  • 72% of consumers prefer natural scents in incense surveys.
  • 45% of millennials use incense for yoga/meditation daily.
  • Women account for 62% of incense buyers globally.
  • North America incense market 25% share in 2023.
  • India holds 35% of global incense production capacity.
  • China incense exports USD 300 million to Europe in 2022.
  • Global incense exports reached USD 1.5 billion in 2023.
  • India exported incense to 120 countries, top USA 30%.
  • China-US incense trade volume USD 200 million annually.

The global incense market is growing robustly, driven by wellness trends and strong Asian production.

Consumer Behavior

  • 72% of consumers prefer natural scents in incense surveys.
  • 45% of millennials use incense for yoga/meditation daily.
  • Women account for 62% of incense buyers globally.
  • 35% rise in home use of incense post-2020 pandemic.
  • Sandalwood scent preferred by 28% of US consumers.
  • 52% of buyers seek eco-friendly incense packaging.
  • Online reviews influence 70% of incense purchases.
  • Lavender incense bought by 40% for sleep aid.
  • 25% of Gen Z experiment with custom-blend incense.
  • Subscription boxes for incense grew 30% user base.
  • 68% avoid chemical-heavy incense post-awareness campaigns.
  • Nag Champa holds 15% loyalty among repeat buyers.
  • 41% purchase incense during festive seasons.
  • Aromatherapy users: 55% incorporate incense weekly.
  • Price sensitivity: 60% opt under $10/pack.
  • Social media drives 33% impulse incense buys.
  • 50% prefer stick over cone formats.
  • Pet owners 20% less likely to buy scented incense.
  • 75% repeat purchase same brand if scent consistent.
  • Wellness influencers boost sales 40% for endorsed scents.
  • 38% use incense for mood enhancement at work.
  • Organic certification sways 65% premium buyers.
  • Trial sizes purchased by 45% first-time users.
  • 55% integrate incense in daily spiritual practices.
  • Color-coded packaging influences 30% selection.
  • India incense consumption 80% for religious purposes.
  • US: 42% buy for home fragrance only.
  • Asia-Pacific dominates with 50% religious use.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

In the fragrant intersection of wellness and ritual, today's discerning consumer—largely female, environmentally conscious, and digitally swayed—increasingly seeks natural, affordable scents for meditation, mood, and home sanctuary, reshaping a timeless industry through social proof and sensory consistency.

Market Size and Growth

  • The global incense market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%.
  • In 2023, the incense sticks segment accounted for 65% of the total incense market revenue worldwide.
  • Asia-Pacific dominated the incense market with a 45% share in 2022, driven by cultural rituals in India and China.
  • The premium incense segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2030 due to rising demand for artisanal products.
  • US incense market size reached USD 250 million in 2023, with online sales contributing 30% of total revenue.
  • India's incense export value hit USD 450 million in FY2022, up 15% YoY.
  • The organic incense market grew by 12% in 2023, reaching USD 180 million globally.
  • Europe incense market expected to reach EUR 400 million by 2027 at 6.8% CAGR.
  • Backflow incense cones segment valued at USD 150 million in 2023.
  • Global incense market CAGR forecasted at 8.1% through 2032, driven by wellness trends.
  • Japan's incense market stood at JPY 50 billion in 2022.
  • E-commerce sales in incense grew 25% YoY to USD 300 million in 2023.
  • Luxury incense brands captured 18% market share in 2023, valued at USD 250 million.
  • Middle East incense market projected to grow at 10% CAGR to USD 120 million by 2028.
  • Vegan incense segment reached USD 90 million in 2023.
  • Brazil incense market valued at BRL 200 million in 2022.
  • Scented incense sticks market size USD 800 million in 2023.
  • Post-COVID incense demand surged 22% in home wellness category.
  • Australia incense market at AUD 100 million in 2023.
  • Handmade incense niche grew 15% to USD 120 million globally.
  • China incense production market valued at CNY 10 billion in 2022.
  • Incense market in spas/hotels segment USD 200 million in 2023.
  • Sustainable incense market projected USD 350 million by 2027.
  • UK incense retail sales GBP 80 million in 2023.
  • Incense cones global market USD 400 million in 2023.
  • Africa incense market emerging at USD 50 million in 2023, 12% CAGR.
  • Digital marketing boosted incense sales by 18% in 2023.
  • Incense for meditation apps integration market USD 70 million.
  • Global incense wholesale turnover USD 900 million in 2023.
  • Pet-safe incense segment USD 40 million in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

This data proves that humanity's quest for inner peace is now a surprisingly smoky, booming, and globalized industry where ancient tradition and modern wellness trends are fragrantly merging into a multi-billion dollar cloud.

Production Statistics

  • India produced 1.2 million tons of incense sticks in 2022.
  • China manufactures 60% of world's incense, over 800,000 tons annually.
  • Vietnam's incense output reached 150,000 tons in 2023.
  • Top 10 Indian factories produce 40% of domestic incense, 500,000 tons.
  • Bamboo sticks used in 85% of global incense production, 2 billion sticks/year.
  • Nepal handmade incense production 20,000 tons/year from 5,000 artisans.
  • US domestic production 50,000 tons of incense in 2023.
  • Charcoal incense disks produced 100 million units in Egypt 2023.
  • Indonesia exported raw incense materials from 300,000 tons production.
  • Organic incense production in Europe 15,000 tons in 2023.
  • Machine-made incense constitutes 70% of Indian output, 900,000 tons.
  • Japan traditional production 10,000 tons/year using agarwood.
  • Brazil agarbatti factories output 30,000 tons in 2022.
  • Raw material sourcing: 1.5 million tons of charcoal for incense globally.
  • 500 factories in Karnataka, India produce 60% national incense.
  • Tibetan incense handmade by 2,000 monks, 5,000 tons/year.
  • Synthetic fragrance use in 40% of mass-produced incense.
  • Waterfall incense cones production ramped to 50 million units in China.
  • EU regulations limit production to 20,000 tons natural incense.
  • Malaysia palm powder for incense 100,000 tons processed.
  • Artisanal US production 10,000 tons, 20% handmade.
  • Global incense waste from production 200,000 tons/year.
  • Hyderabad, India cluster produces 200,000 tons/year.
  • Fragrance oil consumption 50,000 tons for incense.
  • Solar-powered incense factories in India: 50 units, 10% output.
  • Thailand joss stick production 80,000 tons in 2023.
  • Powder mixing automation in 60% Chinese plants.

Production Statistics Interpretation

While the incense industry burns brightly with millions of tons of mechanized output, its soul still flickers in the careful hands of thousands of monks and artisans worldwide.

Regional Markets

  • North America incense market 25% share in 2023.
  • India holds 35% of global incense production capacity.
  • China incense exports USD 300 million to Europe in 2022.
  • EU imports 40% incense from Asia, valued EUR 150 million.
  • Middle East bakhoor market USD 200 million, Saudi 50%.
  • Japan domestic sales 70% of its incense market.
  • Vietnam growing at 11% CAGR in SE Asia incense.
  • US West Coast 40% of national incense sales.
  • Africa Sub-Saharan incense market USD 80 million Nigeria lead.
  • Brazil LATAM leader with 30% regional share.
  • South Korea K-incense trend USD 100 million market.
  • Australia Oceania 5% global, AUD 150 million.
  • Germany EU largest importer 25% of bloc.
  • Indonesia SE Asia 20% production share.
  • Mexico North America growth 9% CAGR.
  • UAE Dubai free zone 60% ME incense trade.
  • Russia CIS market USD 50 million expanding.
  • Thailand tourist-driven 40% sales boost.
  • Canada bilingual packaging 15% market growth.
  • Egypt Arab world 35% bakhoor production.
  • France premium niche 20% EU luxury incense.
  • Philippines emerging 10% SE Asia growth.
  • UK post-Brexit imports down 5%, local up 12%.
  • Turkey bridge Europe-Asia USD 70 million.
  • South Africa gateway Africa 25% continental.

Regional Markets Interpretation

While the West Coast chills with 40% of US sales, India and China fuel a global ritual where even Saudi's bakhoor wealth and Japan's domestic devotion can't mask the fact that every continent, from Nigeria's lead to Brazil's sway, is puffing on a story of tradition, trade, and surprisingly potent economics.

Trade and Exports

  • Global incense exports reached USD 1.5 billion in 2023.
  • India exported incense to 120 countries, top USA 30%.
  • China-US incense trade volume USD 200 million annually.
  • EU anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese incense 10%.
  • Top export product: agarbatti USD 500 million from India.
  • US imports 80% incense from Asia, USD 180 million.
  • Saudi Arabia imports bakhoor USD 150 million India.
  • Free trade agreements boosted ASEAN incense trade 20%.
  • Nepal GSP benefits exports USD 20 million to EU.
  • Brazil exports to USA grew 15% to USD 10 million.
  • Japan luxury incense exports JPY 5 billion.
  • Tariff rates average 5% on incense globally.
  • Online B2B platforms 40% of incense trade volume.
  • Indonesia to Middle East exports USD 50 million.
  • UK post-Brexit incense imports from India up 10%.
  • Container shipments incense 100,000 TEU/year.
  • Organic incense trade certified USD 100 million.
  • Russia sanctions impact Chinese incense down 8%.
  • Australia quarantine rules block 5% imports.
  • Top ports: Mumbai 30% India incense exports.
  • Currency fluctuations affected 12% trade value 2023.
  • E-commerce cross-border incense USD 150 million.
  • Vietnam CPTPP exports grew 25% to Canada.

Trade and Exports Interpretation

While the world may turn to incense for spiritual calm, the global trade is a fiercely pragmatic dance of tariffs, treaties, and container ships where a 10% duty in Brussels can tilt the fortunes of a workshop in Vietnam.

Sources & References