Black Pepper Monthly Update (Vietnam) 2025-12

In January, Vietnam's pepper exports surged significantly, with total shipments reaching nearly 31,200 tons valued at 203.3 million USD, marking a 64.3% increase in quantity and 58.1% rise in value compared to the same period last year. The United States remained the largest importer, accounting for 24.5% of exports and showing an 89.3% increase in quantity. Notably, Thailand dramatically increased its purchases, spending nearly four times more to import 1,223 tons of Vietnamese pepper, a 354.6% rise in quantity, elevating it to the second-largest buyer with 5.64% of total exports. Other markets such as the UAE, Canada, and Russia also recorded substantial growth in pepper imports. Domestic pepper prices held steady at 149,000-151,000 VND/kg, while export prices remained stable between 6,400-6,600 USD/ton for key varieties.

Vietnam's domestic pepper market remains stable with prices ranging between 148,500 and 151,000 VND/kg across key production areas such as Dak Lak and Dak Nong. Export prices for Vietnamese black pepper hold steady between 6,400 and 6,600 USD/ton, while white pepper prices are around 9,150 USD/ton. Despite a decline in production, Vietnam maintained over 70% of the U.S. pepper import market share in 2025, with export volumes to the U.S. rising nearly 90% in January 2026 compared to the previous year. Experts anticipate a recovery in global pepper demand in 2026, driven by low U.S. import taxes and increasing demand from China, although supply risks persist due to adverse weather and declining production. The market outlook suggests that positive export prospects may support prices, but volatility in supply and demand necessitates strategic sales and inventory management for producers and exporters.

Vietnamese spice enterprises are increasingly investing in advanced technology, quality control, and supply chain management to enhance product standards and expand their global market presence. Companies like Hoàng Kim Ngân, Prosi Thăng Long, and DK Agricultural Products have adopted modern processing systems and certifications such as ASTA, BRC, USDA Organic, and Rainforest Alliance to meet stringent international requirements. In 2025, Prosi Thăng Long reported significant export growth, including a 19% increase in cinnamon and an 84% rise in cardamom exports, with revenues reaching $181 million. Alongside technological upgrades, firms are diversifying product lines and emphasizing sustainability, transparency, and value addition to meet evolving consumer demands in high-end markets. Initiatives such as CSR programs and deep processing are enhancing farmer livelihoods and reducing raw material export dependence. The upcoming VIPO 2026 conference will further promote sustainable production, traceability, and digital transformation within the Vietnamese spice sector.

Vietnam's pepper prices remain stable with black pepper at 6,400-6,600 USD/ton and white pepper at 9,150 USD/ton, supported by a recovering global demand and low stock levels. The 2026 pepper yield in Lâm Đồng province is projected to increase to 95,000 tons due to new planting areas maturing, despite some yield declines. Sustainable organic farming practices and adherence to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards are enhancing pepper quality and market access. Internationally, Brazil's pepper exports surged in January 2026, with key markets including Pakistan, the UAE, and Vietnam, while Thailand's exports remain stable. Overall, stable global supply and rising consumption in major markets are underpinning high pepper prices and supporting domestic market stability.

Vietnam's pepper exports in January 2026 rose sharply by 66.2% year-on-year to 21,743 tons, generating $139 million in turnover despite a 3.2% decline from December 2025. Black pepper exports dominated with 17,557 tons, priced at $6,494 per ton, while white pepper exports totaled 4,186 tons at $8,450 per ton. The United States remained the largest market, accounting for 23.7% of exports, though its volume fell 17.3% month-on-month, while China showed a strong recovery with a 53.2% increase. On the import side, Vietnam's pepper imports surged 157.6% year-on-year to 4,681 tons, mainly sourced from Cambodia, Brazil, and Indonesia, supporting domestic processing and re-export activities. These trends underscore Vietnam's strengthening position in the global pepper supply chain as the industry begins 2026 on a positive trajectory.

Vietnam has significantly increased its agricultural investments and trade relations with Cambodia and Laos, forming an interconnected economic space that supports production, consumption, and export. By 2025, bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and Cambodia is projected to reach $11.33 billion, a 12% increase from 2024, with Vietnamese firms like Thaco Group investing hundreds of millions in large-scale banana plantations and cattle farming projects. Cambodia serves as a crucial market and raw material supplier for Vietnam, particularly in poultry eggs and pepper, where it helps reduce Vietnam's dependence on African sources. In Laos, Vietnam remains the largest foreign investor with over $6.21 billion in registered capital, and trade turnover reached $2.98 billion in 2025, up 32.7% from the previous year. Key sectors driving cooperation include agricultural processing, electricity, and logistics, supported by infrastructure projects like the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway.

Ample Agro Product Co., Ltd and S’trei Corporation Co., Ltd have signed an MoU with organic pepper-producing communities in Preah Vihear province to promote and support organic pepper production under the Cambodia Pepper Federation. The collaboration involves five agricultural communities capable of producing over 200 tons of organic pepper, aiming to establish a standardized, sustainable production chain. The enterprises will provide technical and financial assistance to help these communities obtain organic certification and will purchase their produce for processing and export, targeting markets in Europe and the U.S. Cambodia's pepper exports are projected to reach nearly 1 million tons in 2025, generating approximately 1.5 billion USD, a 27% increase from 2024.

Pepper prices in Vietnam remain stable around 148,500 – 151,000 VND/kg, with the highest prices in Đắk Lắk and Đắk Nông and a slight decrease in Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu. Lam Dong province faces reduced pepper yields due to adverse weather, although total output is expected to rise by about 10,000 tons in 2026 compared to the previous year. Export prices for Vietnamese black and white pepper remain competitive, supported by strong purchasing demand from China, the US, and the EU. Global market competition is intensifying, prompting exporters to enhance quality and production standards. In the short term, domestic purchasing power is stable with no forced selling, while medium- and long-term prices will depend on harvest progress, export policies, currency fluctuations, and shipping costs. Industry experts advise growers and enterprises to monitor market trends closely to optimize production and business strategies.

In January 2026, Vietnam's pepper exports reached 21,743 tons, generating 139 million USD, marking a 66.2% increase compared to January 2025 despite a slight month-on-month decline. Black pepper dominated exports with over 17,500 tons, while white pepper accounted for more than 4,100 tons, with average prices at 6,494 USD/ton and 8,450 USD/ton respectively. Imports surged by over 157% year-on-year to 4,681 tons, primarily from Cambodia, Brazil, and Indonesia, to support processing and re-export activities. Stable demand from major markets and supply constraints due to climate impacts in producing countries have helped maintain favorable price levels for Vietnamese growers. However, the implementation of Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP on food safety has introduced operational pressures and risks of supply chain disruptions, prompting the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association to call for unified guidance and transition mechanisms to safeguard export-import flows.

Pepper prices in Vietnam remain elevated, with black pepper export prices at $6,400-$6,600 per ton and white pepper at $9,150 per ton, reflecting tight global supply due to insufficient production recovery in major producing countries. After a sharp price increase at the end of 2025, the domestic market is shifting to a slow and cautious adjustment pace, with high prices dampening trading activity. Indian pepper prices have declined for two consecutive weeks, influenced by a weakening rupee, while Indonesian prices remain stable supported by currency appreciation. Brazil's Espírito Santo state recorded record pepper exports in 2025, with a 58% volume increase and 113% value growth, indicating rising average export prices amid global supply constraints. Overall, the market is stagnant as limited supply and high input costs slow short-term demand.