AsemconnectVietnam - On Friday, domestic pepper prices in Vietnam's Central Highlands decreased by 500 VND to VND96,000 - VND97,000 per kg compared to Yesterday, according to Kinhtedothi.

The maximum price for pepper fell to VND97,000 per kg in Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Phuoc while the lowest price to VND96,000 per kg in Dak Nong.
Pepper price stayed at VND96,500 per kg in Dac Lac, Gia Lai and Dong Nai province.
According to the General Department of Customs, pepper exports in the first half of April 2024 reached 13,467 tonnes, valued at US$58.47 million, up 15.4 per cent in volume and 16.1 per cent in value compared to the same period last month. The exports decreased 1.6 percent in volume year on year, but increased sharply by 40.1 percent in value.
In the first four months of 2024, the pepper exports reached 70,248 tonnes, valued at $294 million, down 21.8 percent in volume, but up 7 percent in value compared to the same period in 2023.The average export price of pepper in the first half of April stood at $4,342 per tonne, up 0.8 percent compared to that in March.
So far in 2024, the average export price of pepper reached $4,189 tonne, an increase of 36.8 per cent over the same period in 2023.
The Việt Nam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) said that the recent increase in pepper prices is due to low supply, high price of US dollar, and conflicts in the world making transportation difficult. In addition, speculation is another reason for the increase.
The experts said that coffee and pepper are often grown in alternating areas. Due to recent dry and hot weather in key growing areas, many pepper plants died. The harsh weather also affects coffee trees, causing lower supply, so coffee and pepper prices both increase.
The association said Việt Nam is still the largest producer and exporter of pepper in the world. However, the area and output of Vietnamese pepper are decreasing due to high competition and market fluctuations that create favourable conditions for development of other crops such as coffee and durian. That makes the pepper supply decrease, while pepper demand increases, so the pepper prices are up.
Following are domestic pepper prices on April 26, 2024, in the main pepper growing and consumption regions:

T.Huong
Source: Vitic/Kinhtedothi