Vietnam pepper breaks through, exports surpass 1 billion USD

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), in the first 8 months of 2025, Vietnam's pepper exports have marked a remarkable milestone: surpassing 1 billion USD in the first 8 months of the year, the highest in the past seven years.

In August 2025 alone, Vietnam exported 21,464 tons of pepper of all kinds, including 18,365 tons of black pepper and 3,108 tons of white pepper, reaching a turnover of 139.8 million USD. Compared to the same period last year, the volume increased by 10.6%, the value increased by 19.5%, although there was a slight decrease compared to the previous month (turnover increased by 1.7%).

By the end of August, total output reached 166,510 tons including 142,627 tons of black pepper (accounting for 930.4 million USD) and 23,883 tons of white pepper (contributing 193.4 million USD). Compared to the same period last year, export volume decreased by 9.4%, but turnover increased by 28%, thanks to a sharp increase in average export prices: black pepper reached 6,666 USD/ton (+41.5%), white pepper 8,732 USD/ton (+38%).

The US remains the largest market, consuming 35,697 tons, accounting for 21.4% of total turnover, although the volume decreased by more than 31% compared to the same period. Meanwhile, exports to China increased sharply by 58%, reaching 13,282 tons; UAE and India also had increases of 9.7% and 13.7%, respectively.

At the end of August, domestic pepper prices began to increase sharply, increasing by 1,000-2,000 VND/kg per day. From 142,000-143,000 VND/kg, by September 3 the price increased to about 154,000-155,000, and is currently around 152,000-153,000 VND/kg.

VPSA explained that the domestic shortage stems from the end of the harvest season in May, when many farmers have sold out, leaving very little inventory. Meanwhile, export demand remains strong, especially when businesses need raw materials to deliver signed orders.

In addition, the US has imposed a reciprocal tax of up to 40% on transit goods, causing businesses to limit the import of raw materials from abroad, leading to a decrease in Brazilian pepper imports from 3,000-4,000 tons/month to only about 1,000 tons/month.

In the first 8 months of 2025, Vietnam's pepper exports reached a record level: over 1 billion USD. The formula for success lies in an interesting swap, reducing output but increasing global prices, supported by a domestic supply chain that hunts for varieties when imports are tightened.

Market distribution is gradually spreading, the US is still leading, but China, UAE or India are emerging, signaling the direction of export diversification. Domestic pepper prices are constantly increasing, but this also reflects growth opportunities for producers, as long as they can adapt to global rules of the game (such as quality, standards, tariffs, etc.).

Hai Dang