Here’s a quick look at the major countries that export legal Kratom:
- Indonesia: The largest legal exporter of kratom globally
- Thailand: Recently legalized kratom exports under regulation
- Malaysia: Limited legal exports, primarily for research
- Myanmar (Burma): Some regional kratom cultivation and unofficial exports
- Laos: Sparse production; limited legal trade
- Vietnam: Not a major player, but kratom grows natively in some regions
- USA (re-exports): Does not cultivate kratom but repackages/exported product for wholesale
Today, we’re taking a look at the global Kratom market, including which Kratom countries export it around the world. We’ll also take a look at which countries are cracking down on Kratom trade. Join Kats Botanicals as we explore Kratom’s global influence and use.
Kratom Country Exports – Understanding Global Kratom Trade
Global Kratom trade is largely centered around Indonesia, which exports nearly 95% of the world’s Kratom supply. There, Kratom trees thrive in the tropical climate, benefitting from centuries-old Kratom cultivation practices.
Kratom is made from the leaves of a tree, Mitragyna speciosa, which is primarily cultivated and exported from across Southeast Asia. Kratom is used as a plant-based form of energy and stamina, but also has a massive following of recreational users. The Kratom leaves are consumed in powdered form or other Kratom products, despite their controversial legal standing due to how the alkaloids (active ingredients in Kratom) function with the body.
Despite domestic restrictions, Indonesia’s Kratom exports continue to meet international demand, particularly from the United States. Neighboring Thailand, where it’s largely thought Kratom originated, a many-decades-long ban on Kratom was recently overturned. As of 2025, Kratom is now legal to use in Thailand. The original ban took place in response to political pressures from the opium market.
Kratom was removed from the narcotics list in Thailand under the Narcotics Act (No. 8) B.E. 2564 (2021), making personal use, cultivation, and sale legal under regulated conditions. Though Thai Kratom is now coming into the US, Indonesia remains the giant of the industry. Vietnam and Laos also contribute modestly to the Kratom global supply. But, you might be surprised to know just how many countries grow Kratom.
Countries Where Kratom Is Grown
As you can see, Kratom grows in lots of countries, although not all of them export Kratom:
| Country | Kratom Grows? | Exports Kratom? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | World’s largest exporter, mainly from West Kalimantan |
| Malaysia | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Grows naturally, but commercial export is banned |
| Thailand | âś… Yes | âś… Yes | Legal exports since 2022, but volume is limited |
| Myanmar | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Wild growth; cultivation, and export are illegal |
| Philippines | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Naturally occurring; illegal to possess or trade |
| Vietnam | ⚠️ Possible | ❌ No | Some unconfirmed natural growth, country-wide ban on Kratom; exporting is illegal |
| Papua New Guinea | ⚠️ Possible | ❌ No | Limited natural presence; no formal trade |
| India (NE) | ⚠️ Possible | ❌ No | Possible wild growth in northeast; no export activity |
| U.S. (HI, FL) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Small-scale cultivation only; not used for commercial export |
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Countries that Legally Export Kratom
There are many countries that grow Kratom, and few that export Kratom crops in any form. Exports are largely governed by each country’s laws around Kratom. Indonesia, for example, ships nearly 5,000 tons each year to the US, which is worth about $9.15 million to Indonesia.
The irony here is that Kratom use is highly discouraged domestically in Indonesia. Though some regions of Indonesia make up the primary exporting hub for Kratom, supplying the majority of the global market, some exports of the substance trickle out of other regions, with Thailand being the only legal one. Thailand legalized Kratom in 2021, allowing for domestic use and potential export, though the industry is still developing. While Thailand is loosening regulations on Kratom, Indonesia is cracking down.
Countries that Legally Export Kratom in 2025
There are only two: Indonesia and Thailand.
- Indonesia: Exports are legal and regulated. Indonesia remains the world’s largest Kratom exporter. In 2024, the government implemented regulations to oversee Kratom cultivation and export, aiming to support local farmers and industries.
- Thailand: Exporters must obtain a license from the Narcotics Control Board, and the law regulates trade, sale, and consumption to ensure safety and quality.
What Happens to Exported Kratom?
Once Kratom is grown, harvested, dried, and in many cases ground, the product is packaged into bulk quantities of 20–25 kg per sack and wrapped, then shipped via air cargo for small shipments or container ships for larger ones. These shipments are well labeled so they can pass customs inspections in the US.
Kratom shipments come into the US via ship to seaports on the West Coast (Port of Los Angeles, Port of Oakland, Port of Seattle-Tacoma), and to New York for distribution on the East Coast. Smaller shipments by plane typically go to LAX, Chicago’s O’Hare airport, or JFK on the East Coast.
Kratom shipments entering the United States from Indonesia are primarily inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Shipments of concern may be seized.
Exported Kratom then goes on to the vendors or to labs for testing. Testing ensures batch safety, purity, and strength, and that each batch meets high US standards. From there, Kratom powders are used to create various forms of Kratom that are sold to distributors or consumers.
Crushed or whole leaf Kratom (now banned for export by Indonesia) is tested, packaged and sold as is, often in bulk quantities for Kratom tea making. Kratom powders can be packaged and sold as is, blended into specialty Kratom blends, or if they test high enough in alkaloids, used to produce the highly popular Maeng Da Kratom blends.
Some of the Kratom powders are sourced for making extracts of Mitragynine or 7-Hydroxymitragynine, which are then used in Kratom liquids or packed into Kratom tablets for high potency products.
Why Do Some Countries Ban Kratom?
Kratom has faced political and health organization opposition worldwide. Common misconceptions about Kratom and its use, fear of tainted products, or concerns over consumer health all play roles in Kratom’s regulation or bans in some countries.
- Concerns over the side effects of poor-quality Kratom.
- Concerns over the effects of Kratom on certain health conditions.
- Skepticism over the safety of Kratom shipments.
- Equating Kratom to opioids – an unfair comparison, as Kratom is not derived from opium.
- Overdose risks, potential for Kratom addiction, Kratom withdrawal symptoms, efficacy, and impact for long-term use all remain unclear or poorly defined in existing medical research.
Is Kratom Legal in Europe?
Kratom’s legal status in Europe varies by country. The European Union has not implemented a centralized regulation policy. Some countries have outright bans, while others operate in a legal gray area.
Current 2025 Kratom Bans in Europe
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Other Kratom Country Bans
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
- The United Kingdom
- Germany (Kratom is illegal for human consumption.)
- Czech Republic
- Spain
- Portugal
- Turkey
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Travelers and importers should verify local laws and the legality of Kratom to avoid seizures of their products or facing legal consequences.
Countries Where the Use of Kratom Is Legal
As of 2025, Kratom is legal or unregulated for personal use in several countries, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of North America:
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- United States
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Mexico
Imported Kratom to the US
The United States is a major importer of Kratom, primarily sourcing from Indonesia. Despite the FDA not approving Kratom for medical use, Kratom remains legal at the federal level, leading to a thriving market. However, the absence of standardized regulations raises concerns about product purity and safety. Consumers are advised to purchase from reputable sources that provide third-party lab testing.
See where Kratom is legal in the US.
Kratom Legality in the US
Federally, Kratom is legal in the United States, but its status varies by state. As of 2025, Kratom is banned in six states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Other states have implemented age restrictions or labeling requirements. Mississippi, for example, is rolling out new regulations in July 2025 to ban products containing synthetic forms of Kratom, particularly those with high concentrations of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG), are prohibited. The FDA has issued warnings about Kratom’s potential health risks, but has not classified it as a controlled substance.
Despite this, taking Kratom is becoming more mainstream among Americans. This is due to the potential of Kratom for providing some unique botanical benefits for the user.
Kratom gained popularity among American users as a stimulant (at small doses) that differs from other botanical stimulants on the market:
- Less jittery than caffeine. (Learn more about Kratom and coffee.)
- More uplifting than Ashwagandha and Valerian Root.
- At higher doses, Kratom may offer additional properties such as relaxation and relief.
- Higher doses of the alkaloid compounds prompt recreational use as an alternative to alcohol with no hangovers.
- Powdered Kratom leaves have been used in more recent years, partnered with Kava, another relaxing botanical. (Learn more about Kratom and Kava.)
Keeping Kratom Legal in the US
Because Kratom is commonly used for both energy and relaxation, it is a versatile option for Americans seeking plant-based alternatives. But the murky legislation around the world can be of concern for dedicated Kratom users.
Advocates for Kratom emphasize the need for responsible use and regulation to maintain its legal status. Efforts include promoting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act for implementation at the state level. This legislation aims to establish quality control measures and age restrictions. Engaging with policymakers and educating the public about Kratom’s benefits and risks are essential steps in preserving its legality.
Whatever country you live in, let your voice be heard on Kratom’s effects and benefits in your life. To get involved, you can write your state’s legislators and follow the American Kratom Association’s efforts to establish industry-wide ethical practices for safe Kratom use.
Kratom Exports to American Buyers
No matter where you are on the map, Kratom legislation is often an ever-changing landscape. Remember to check the status of Kratom before you buy, and look for lab-testing procedures, which are often detailed online. As always, use Kratom responsibly and mindfully for the best experience.
Kats Botanicals offers a quick and easy way to buy high-quality Kratom online. We ship to each US city, county, or state where Kratom is legal. We will continue to provide legal, quality Indonesian Kratom selections in a variety of formats – like powders, capsules, and gummies – for online Kratom shoppers.
