AsemconnectVietnam - On Friday, domestic pepper prices in Vietnam's Central Highlands increased by 4000 VND to VND93,000 to VND96,000 per kg compared to Yesterday, according to Kinhtedothi.

The maximum price for pepper increased to VND96,000 per kg in Binh Phuoc and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, while in Dong Nai province, the lowest price rose to VND93,000 per kg. Farmers in Dac Lac and Dak Nong sold pepper for VND95,000 per kilogram, in Gia Lai province for VND93,000 per kilogram.
This is the fourth day of sharp price increase in a row, bringing domestic pepper prices closer to the 100,000 VND/kg mark.
After the Lunar New Year of Giap Thin, farmers in localities enter the pepper harvest. This year the weather is relatively favorable, pepper prices remain high, making people very excited.
As noted by Dak Nong Radio and Television Station, Mr. Tran Trong Khuong's family, Dac Thuy village, Dak Lao commune (Dak Mil) has 2 hectares of land to grow pepper, it is estimated that this year his family earned more than 2.5 tons. Not only was the harvest good, pepper prices also remained high, so he was very excited. According to calculations, after deducting family expenses, he will have a profit of over 130 million VND.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Mil district, in recent years, thanks to investment in organic farming, pepper trees are less susceptible to diseases. This year's expected yield is 1-2 tons/ha higher than last year, with an average of about 3 tons/ha.
According to Gia Lai newspaper, by the end of 2023, the whole province have 8,798 hectares of pepper, with an output of about 28,580 tonnes. In the 2024 harvest, pepper prices are recovering and increasing again, bringing many expectations to growers.
In Chu Se district (Gia Lai), Mr. Tran Thien Van (Ia Ring village, Ia Tiem commune) informed us that in recent years, 700 pepper pillars have been grown organically in his coffee garden. develop well. It is expected that this year, the family will collect about 2.5 tonnes of dry pepper.
With current prices, minus investment costs, the family still has a profit of more than 120 million VND. Adding more than 4 tonnes of coffee beans just harvested in this area, the family has a stable source of income.
Meanwhile, the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPSA) estimated a 10.5% decrease in production to 170,000 tonnes in 2024 compared to 2023. While a favourable outlook was still anticipated for black pepper exports this year due to reduced production and low inventory levels worldwide, the sector must not overlook the importance of deep processing in enhancing export value. The current proportion of processed black pepper exports stands at a mere 30%, indicating the need for a significant improvement.
Despite the projected increase in pepper prices, the cultivation of pepper has faced stiff competition in the Central Highlands and Southeast regions, primarily from other crops, notably durian. This shift highlighted the urgency for the industry to prioritise deep processing, not only to increase export value but also to provide farmers with a sense of security amid fluctuating prices and market challenges.
From the perspective of a leading exporter to major markets, Phan Minh Thong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Phuc Sinh Corporation, a Vietnamese pepper and coffee trader based in HCM City, highlighted the indispensable role of continued investment in deep processing for the sustainable development of Vietnam's coffee and black pepper sectors.
According to preliminary statistics of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, in the first 15 days of February 2024, Vietnam exported 5,687 tonnes of pepper. Of which black pepper reached 4,886 tonnes and white pepper reached 801 tonnes. Total export turnover reached 22.7 million USD. The main export enterprises include Olam: 615 tonnes, Lien Thanh: 578 tonnes, and Nedspice Vietnam: 570 tonnes.
Following are domestic pepper prices on February 23, 2024, in the main pepper growing and consumption regions:

T.Huong
Source: Vitic/Kinhtedothi