Pepper exports surpass record
According to Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), in the first half of October 2025, Vietnam exported 9,056 tonnes of pepper, reaching a turnover of 59.9 million USD. From the beginning of this year to October 15, total pepper export volume reached 197,100 tonnes, with a turnover of 1.33 billion USD, surpassing the record of 1.31 billion USD for the whole year of 2024.
Many businesses commented that this success was not only due to the increase in world pepper prices, but more importantly, thanks to efforts in deep processing and product optimization. Although output has not increased significantly, high selling prices have helped the pepper industry maintain a strong growth rate in value, aiming for an export target of 1.5 billion USD in 2025.
The three largest consumer markets for Vietnamese pepper are the US, Germany and India, accounting for 24.7%, 8.1% and 6.1% of total export turnover in the first three quarters of this year, respectively. Notably, export value to Germany and India increased sharply, by 43.4% and 64.3%, respectively, while the UK market doubled compared to the same period last year.
Specifically, in the first nine months of the year, Vietnam exported more than 10,000 tonnes to India, worth 71 million USD, up 8% in volume and 64.3% in value compared to the same period. The average export price to India reached 7,034 USD/tonne, 50% higher than last year.
2025 pepper crop ended with an estimated output of 180,000 tonnes, down 10,000 tonnes compared to 2024 due to no expansion of new planting areas. Although pepper prices remain high and stable, the investment attraction in pepper is lower than that of other high-value crops such as durian or coffee.
In terms of natural conditions, drought in the beginning of the year affected the development of pepper plants, but the weather after the harvest was favorable, without extreme phenomena. This promises good conditions for the next crop. However, reinvestment and restoration of planting areas are still limited if the market does not create positive signals in the coming time.
In the second quarter of 2025, domestic pepper prices fluctuated quite strongly. In April, prices remained stable around 153,000-155,000 VND/kg, at times reaching 157,000 VND/kg. In May, the price dropped to 148,000-150,000 VND/kg and continued to fall to 147,000 VND/kg in early June. Currently, the price fluctuates around 145,500-148,000 VND/kg.
Talking to reporters of Industry and Trade Newspaper, Ms. Hoang Thi Lien, Chairwoman of VPSA, said that pepper market at the beginning of the year was in a period of "restraining" demand due to the trade policies of importing countries. When compressed demand is released, consumers and businesses are forced to buy goods, creating momentum for market recovery. This is the basis for prices to stabilize and transactions to increase again at the end of 2025.
Businesses need to be flexible in the face of supply-demand pressure
Ms. Hoang Thi Lien also commented that the supply-demand mechanism will remain, but taxes and technical barriers will reshape customer strategies. It is forecasted that from now until the end of 2025, pepper prices and demand will continue to increase. In 2026, if output increases as forecast, prices will be under pressure. However, the ability to expand the planting area is limited because most of the cultivated land is currently exploited to the maximum. On other hand, EU anti-deforestation regulations also prevent the expansion of the area.
Therefore, the increase in output mainly comes from optimizing the existing area, with no possibility of sudden changes. The exception is Brazil, with its large area, which can increase output and impact the global supply-demand balance.
“In context of the international market still facing many uncertainties from tax policies, geopolitics, to seasonal consumption needs, international importers are gradually prioritizing the strategy of buying in small, regular, controlled quantities instead of buying in large quantities. This is considered the most effective approach in reducing cost risks and managing inventory flexibly,” Ms. Lien noted.
At the same time, it is recommended that businesses need to be flexible in managing warehouses and supplies. Reasonable storage and coordination will help meet increased demand at the end of the year, creating opportunities for temporary price increases and promoting transactions. Strategic factors such as export taxes, transportation costs and regulations of origin will reshape the global market share structure. Vietnam, despite a decrease in market share in some markets, still maintains its advantage thanks to stable product quality and a long-standing export network.
Industry experts also commented that the end of 2025 is forecast to be a period of positive recovery for the pepper market, with prices likely to increase and demand returning. The Vietnamese pepper industry needs to take advantage of opportunities, optimize existing areas, improve export capacity and build a long-term strategy to maintain its position on the world pepper map.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn