In 2025, pepper exports are forecast to continue to grow strongly thanks to many favorable factors from the global market.
According to the latest statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), in 2024, Vietnam exported 250,600 tons of pepper of all types, worth nearly 1.32 billion USD. Among them, black pepper reached nearly 1.18 billion USD, and white pepper reached 200.6 million USD. Compared to 2023, the export volume decreased by 5.1%, but the export value increased sharply by 45.4%. The good news is that the average export price of black pepper in 2024 was 5,154 USD/ton, an increase of nearly 50%, and white pepper was 6,884 USD/ton, an increase of 40% compared to 2023.
The export of “black gold” is having a breakthrough opportunity.
Ms. Hoang Thi Lien, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), said that Vietnamese pepper is well-known in the global market. Vietnam is now the largest producer of pepper in the world, accounting for 40% of the global output and exporting to 110 countries and territories. The United States is the largest pepper export market, with 72,311 tons in 2024, accounting for 28.9% and increasing by 33.2% compared to 2023. This is the highest record of exports ever, an increase of 21.0% compared to the previous record in 2021, which was 59,778 tons.
Especially, according to Ms. Lien, the current technology for processing pepper in Vietnam is good enough to compete with other countries in the world. Vietnam’s pepper products have met market standards, including specialized markets such as the EU and UAE.
According to Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department, in 2025, global pepper production will continue to decline. Meanwhile, consumption demand is increasing, especially in major markets such as the US and Europe. This is a favorable condition for the export of Vietnamese pepper.
The chairwoman of VPSA added that the sharp increase in pepper prices in the first weeks of the new year 2025 is a positive signal for the Vietnamese pepper industry. Currently, the inventory of pepper is low, while the demand from major markets such as the US, EU, and China is increasing significantly. The price of this item will definitely continue to rise in the near future.
It is expected that the 2025 pepper harvest in Vietnam will be concentrated in February, March, and April, 1-2 months later than previous years due to the prolonged drought, which is increasingly limiting the supply of pepper. Currently, China is planning to increase its imports as soon as Vietnam starts the harvest season. This information has caused the price of “black gold” in the domestic market to rise.
However, according to industry experts, the market still has many unpredictable factors, so import-export businesses need to closely monitor moves from partners to have appropriate procurement and inventory plans, avoiding risks.
In the long term, the representative from the Import-Export Department recommends that Vietnam’s “black gold” exports are facing numerous challenges. Among them, the biggest risk is the residue of pesticides, followed by environmental factors and even social challenges.