According to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), by the end of March 2025, Vietnam’s pepper exports reached 20,244 tons. The export volume of black pepper was 17,493 tons, and white pepper was 2,751 tons. The total export value reached 141.6 million USD.
Compared to the last month, Vietnam’s pepper exports increased by about 41.3% in volume and 45.6% in value. The average export price of black pepper in March was 6,790 USD/ton, and white pepper was 8,802 USD/ton, increasing by 122 USD for black pepper and 268 USD for white pepper compared to February 2025.
By the end of the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam had exported 47,660 tons of pepper with a total export value of 326.6 million USD. Compared to the same period last year, the export volume decreased by 16.1%; however, the export value increased by 38.6%. The average export price of black pepper in the first quarter was 6,711 USD/ton (up 94.9% compared to the same period last year), and white pepper was 8,617 USD/ton (up 73.9%).
Vietnam has been the world’s leading producer and exporter of pepper for over 20 years.
The United States continued to be the largest export market for Vietnamese pepper, with a volume of 10,278 tons, a decrease of 32.6% compared to the same period last year, accounting for 22% of the market share. Following are markets such as India with 3,370 tons (down 11.2%), Germany with 3,358 tons (down 9.3%), and the UAE with 2,757 tons (up 15.2%). Meanwhile, pepper exports to China increased by 87.8% in the first quarter, reaching 2,034 tons.
In addition, Vietnam imported 4,940 tons of pepper in March 2025 for export orders, with a total value of 28.9 million USD, an increase of 68.7%, with a value increase of 81.3% and a value increase of 104.9% compared to the same period in 2024. The three main suppliers to Vietnam are Brazil with 3,061 tons (an increase of 187.4%), Indonesia with 977 tons (a decrease of 29.8%), and Cambodia with 514 tons (an increase of 158.3%).
Pepper is one of Vietnam’s key agricultural products and holds a strong position in the international market. In 2024, with a production volume of 170,000 tons, Vietnam continues to maintain its position as the largest producer and exporter of pepper in the world, accounting for about 40% of the global harvest and 60% of the global export market.
In spite of a positive growth in exports, the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a minimum 10% tax on all imported goods and a 46% countervailing tax on imports from Vietnam has raised concerns among pepper exporters. Specifically, the export of pepper to the US in 2024 has brought in over 400 million USD (nearly 10.5 trillion VND).
Being subject to high import taxes will put the orders signed earlier, especially those with delivery deadlines until August and September 2025, at risk of significant losses.
Currently, it is still unclear whether the 46% countervailing duty will be applied to pepper. Therefore, the VPSA recommends that businesses closely monitor developments, proactively review contracts, adjust export plans, and diversify markets to reduce dependence on the U.S.