HCMC – Vietnam’s pepper exports surged in value in the first nine months of 2025, driven by a sharp rise in global prices despite lower shipment volumes.
Data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that by the end of September, Vietnam had exported 186,503 tons of pepper worth nearly US$1.27 billion. While export volume fell 7.1% year-on-year, total export value jumped 27.8%, thanks to a 37.6% increase in average export prices to US$6,787 per ton.
With three months remaining in the year, export revenue has almost matched the 2024 total, which reached US$1.3 billion.
Shipments to major markets declined in volume but generated higher earnings. Exports to the U.S. dropped 28.2% to 41,800 tons but still brought in US$312.3 million, up 4.3% in value. Exports to the Netherlands, South Korea, and India rose sharply, reaching US$52.5 million, US$99.5 million, and US$71 million, up by 17.7%, 43.4%, and 64.3%, respectively.
On the import side, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) reported that the country imported 36,112 tons of pepper worth US$225.7 million during the same period. Of this, black pepper accounted for 30,728 tons and white pepper 5,384 tons. Imports rose 51.9% in volume and more than doubled in value, up 121.1%, reflecting growing domestic activities in processing, blending, and re-exporting pepper products.
Domestically, pepper prices currently range between VND146,000 and VND149,000 per kilogram, according to VPSA. Ba Ria–Vung Tau and Dong Nai recorded the highest prices at VND149,000 per kilogram, followed by Dak Nong and Dak Lak at VND148,000, Binh Phuoc at VND147,000, and Gia Lai at VND146,000.
