In 2024, the export turnover of pepper reached a record high of 1.32 billion USD. Although the pepper area is much smaller compared to other main crops like coffee, rubber, tea, and cashew, the economic value of the pepper industry is very high.
On March 3, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) organized the International Conference on the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Industry 2025 (VIPO 2025) in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting over 300 delegates, including domestic and international experts, producers, and exporters.
Vietnam is a country with a favorable climate and soil condition for cultivating various industrial crops, fruit trees, and spices, including pepper. By the end of 2024, the area of pepper cultivation in Vietnam was 110,500 hectares, with an average yield of 26 quintals per hectare, double the global average yield (12.7 quintals per hectare), and a production of around 200,000 tons.
In 2024, the export turnover of pepper was 1.32 billion USD. Although the pepper area is much smaller than other main crops like coffee, rubber, tea, and cashew, the economic value that the pepper industry brings is very high.
For example, the pepper area is only about 15% of the coffee area, 12% of that with rubber, but the export turnover accounts for about 23% of the coffee export value (about 5.6 billion USD), over 38% of the rubber export value (about 3.4 billion USD). This shows the great potential of the pepper industry if properly exploited.
Vietnam’s pepper productivity doubles the global average.
2024 was a successful year for the global pepper industry. In Vietnam, pepper prices have increased by more than 100% compared to the historical low, bringing pepper back into the billion-dollar export category after a decade. Currently, the price of pepper has been over 160,000 VND/kg. This is the highest price in the recent 10 years, promising high profits for pepper farmers.
In the first month of 2025, the export price of pepper remained high, increasing by more than 30% compared to mid-2024. Especially, the export price of white pepper has currently increased by 16% compared to the end of December 2024 and by 38% compared to mid-2024. This is a positive signal for pepper exports in 2025.
The Chairman of the VPSA believes that the Vietnamese pepper and spice industry continues to affirm its important position in the international market with impressive export achievements.
Specifically for pepper, Vietnam continues to maintain its position as the leading country in the world for production and export, accounting for about 40% of the global output and nearly 55% of the total export turnover. However, in recent years, Vietnamese pepper, in particular, and global pepper, in general, have witnessed significant fluctuations due to climate change, political conflicts, trade wars, and more. This brings both opportunities and significant risks.
Focusing on sustainable development, enhancing added value through deep processing, and following international standards not only helps the industry overcome difficulties but also creates a firm foundation for long-term development. The close coordination between management agencies, businesses, and farmers will be a key factor for the Vietnamese pepper industry to continue to enhance its pioneering role on the global spice export map.