According to data from European Statistical Office (Eurostat), in the first 4 months of the year, EU imported 18,474 tonnes of pepper from the non-EU market worth 83.7 million EUR, up 22.9% in volume and 27% in value compared to the same period in 2023.
In April alone, amount of pepper imported into the EU reached the highest level since the beginning of 2023, with 5,440 tonnes, up 22.7% compared to the previous month and up nearly 40% compared to the same period. This is also the 4th consecutive month that the EU's pepper imports have increased compared to the same period last year.
In the first 4 months of the year, EU imported a total of 11,359 tonnes of pepper from Vietnam worth more than 48.5 million EUR, up 25.1% in volume and 32.1% in value compared to the same period last year. With a volume of 11,359 tonnes, up 25.1% over the same period last year and accounting for 61.5% of the region's total imports of this item, Vietnam continued to be the largest pepper supplier in the EU in the first 4 months of the year.
EU pepper imports from other markets also increased sharply compared to the same period last year, such as: Brazil reached 3,443 tonnes, up 25.3%; Indonesia reached 1,384 tonnes, up 32.2%; India reached 952 tonnes, up 9.9%.
Average import price of pepper to EU from Vietnam reached 4,273 EUR/tonne, from Brazil was 3,665 EUR/tonne, Indonesia was 5,509 EUR/tonne, and India alone reached 6,646 USD/tonne.
In addition to competitive prices, Vietnamese pepper exporters are gaining an advantage over some exporting countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc. thanks to the EVFTA, which helps reduce import taxes on ground or crushed pepper to the EU from 4% to 0%.
According to Center for Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), Europe does not produce pepper, so the region's consumption mainly depends on imported supplies.
Agency also said that up to 95% of pepper imported into the EU is consumed in countries within the region and only 5% of it is re-exported to countries outside Europe.
Black pepper consumption in Europe is expected to grow steadily in the coming time, with an expected increase of about 0.5% in 2023 and 1.8% in 2024.
CBI forecasts that pepper imports from European countries will grow by 1-2% per year. European market offers a price advantage over Asian markets for high-quality, sustainably produced black pepper.
Recently, EU market's requirements and regulations on non-tariff barriers have continued to increase and become increasingly stringent. This market also has continuous warnings about pesticide residues as well as increasing frequency of control and tightening of MRLs regulations on food in general, including Vietnamese spices.
Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) said that EU is a potential market for Vietnamese pepper exports. However, to take advantage of these opportunities, pepper industry must move towards sustainable production, as more and more European consumers require certifications to ensure sustainable products.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn