Star Anise Prices September 2026: A Strong Window to Buy New Crop

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Updated: September 2026 · Category: Market Report

If you buy star anise (Illicium verum), September is one of the most important months of the year. It is the peak harvest season for big red star anise, when fresh crop starts flowing to market — and right now, both quality and price are working in buyers' favor.

Here is our breakdown of the market this month, what prices look like, and why acting now could save you money.

Key Takeaway

Table 1 September market status and buyer impact

What's happening	Impact for buyers
New crop concentrated on market	Best freshness, aroma & color of the year
Prices settled after an early dip	Stable window — no need to wait
Origin sentiment turning bullish	Early booking locks in supply

How Star Anise Prices Moved in September

The month opened soft, then steadied — a pattern typical of harvest season.

· Early September: around USD 4.57/kg, pressured by leftover old-crop stock.

· Mid-September: market improved — old crop 4.57, fresh crop 4.74–5.42, premium fresh 5.42–6.09.

· Late September: decline slowed — old crop ~4.40, fresh 4.57–5.25, premium fresh 5.42–5.92.

Bottom line: Prices dipped early, then stabilized with mild fluctuation. Origin despatch is steady and buyer sentiment is turning cautiously bullish.

Star Anise Prices September 2026 by Grade (USD/kg)

Not all star anise costs the same. Here is how the market prices each grade this September.

Table 2 Grade-by-grade price ranges

Grade	Price range (USD/kg)
Autumn ganzhi fruit	2.71–3.22
Spring star anise	3.72–4.06
Autumn big red star anise fresh, 80–90% dry	4.40–5.25
Premium autumn big red star anise	5.25–5.92
Hand-picked premium	7.11–8.12

Note: Hand-picked premium is a separate, high-end track — it is not directly comparable with bulk goods.

Origin Snapshot: Guangxi

· Guangxi origin fresh anise: USD 4.40–5.25/kg — roughly USD 0.17/kg below wholesale.

· Dispatch: restocking activity is picking up; suppliers are increasingly bullish on near-term prices.

What This Means for Buyers Right Now

1. Best quality window — new-crop freshness, aroma and color are at their seasonal peak.

2. Best price window — settling early locks in supply and avoids a possible upward correction.

3. Ask for samples — grade, dryness and packaging can be tailored to your specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to buy star anise?

A: September's new-crop harvest offers the best balance of quality and price — freshness peaks while prices are still settling.

Q: How are star anise prices quoted?

A: Quoted per kilogram, by grade (dry-branch, Chunhua, Da Hong, premium). Prices here are in USD/kg.

Q: Is premium star anise worth the higher cost?

A: For high-end buyers, hand-picked premium offers consistent size and appearance, but it is priced separately from bulk grades.

Get a Quotation or Samples

We are a factory-direct star anise supplier from the core producing region. Ask for a free sample and a tailored quotation based on your volume, grade, and packaging needs — and lock in new-crop stock at today's prices.