HCMC – Vietnam had earned US$585.2 million from pepper exports as of May 15, up 45% year-on-year despite a 10% decline in export volume, data from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) showed.
Export volume reached 84,844 tons. The value surge was driven by higher export prices.
The average export price of black pepper in the first four months was US$6,749 per ton, up 96% from the same period last year. White pepper averaged US$8,611 per ton, a 73.8% increase, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
The U.S. remained the top buyer, accounting for 22.5% of total exports, though shipments to this market dropped 26.7%. Exports to India rose 6.4%, making up 8% of the total. Shipments to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) edged up 42.2% and those to Germany inched down 9.7%. Exports to China surged 94.4% and represented 4.5% of the volume.
Vietnam also recorded strong export growth to Hong Kong, Australia, and Poland. Declines were seen in the Netherlands, Russia, the UK, Egypt, Turkey, and France.
Major exporters included Olam Vietnam with 10.4% market share, followed by Phuc Sinh, Nedspice, Tran Chau, and Haprosimex JSC.
On the import side, Vietnam bought over 18,388 tons of pepper, mainly from Brazil, Indonesia, and Cambodia, with a total value of US$108.6 million, more than double the value in the same period last year.
Imports are used for processing and re-export. Experts said this practice supports Vietnam’s leading position in the global pepper market, where it holds around 60% share. They urged stronger quality control and product traceability to safeguard the industry’s reputation.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade said higher prices were also supported by demand from the Middle East and Europe. It advised exporters to diversify markets and reduce dependence on traditional buyers.
