AsemconnectVietnam - According to Kinhtedothi, pepper prices in Vietnam's Central Highlands increased by 1000-2000 VND per kg to 146,000 –147,000 VND per kg on Wednesday compared to Yesterday.

In Dak Nong, production is recorded as similar to last year. In Dak Lak, production is expected to decrease as farmers shift to growing durians, with limited new planting areas.
Domestic Pepper Prices:
• Dak Lak Province: 147,000 VND/kg, up by 1,500 VND/kg.
• Dak Nong Province: 147,500 VND/kg, up by 1,500 VND/kg.
• Gia Lai Province: 147,000 VND/kg, up by 2,000 VND/kg.
• Dong Nai Province: 146,000 VND/kg, up by 1,000 VND/kg.
• Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province: 146,000 VND/kg.
• Binh Phuoc Province: 147,000 VND/kg, up by 2,000 VND/kg.
Harvest and Production Trends:
• Farmers are expected to start harvesting pepper after the Lunar New Year, with the harvest season lasting until the end of April.
• This year’s harvest in many areas is delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions in 2024.
• According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spices Association, production in Dak Nong is recorded as stable compared to last year. However, Dak Lak, the second-largest pepper-producing region in Vietnam, is seeing reduced production due to a shift toward durian cultivation and a lack of new planting areas.
Although Vietnam’s overall pepper production is expected to increase in the upcoming harvest season, it doesn’t necessarily mean a significant surplus in market supply.
Market Dynamics and Challenges:
• Speculators hold a significant share: Many speculators have been stockpiling since prices were around 110,000 VND/kg, using profits from other booming agricultural products like coffee and durians.
• Farmers are not in a rush to sell: Improved economic conditions have given farmers more options, allowing them to avoid selling freshly harvested pepper immediately.
• Climate change impacts: Extreme weather events have reduced productivity and increased production costs.
Global Pepper Prices:
• Black Pepper:
o Lampung (Indonesia): 7,115 USD/ton.
o Brazil ASTA 570: 6,150 USD/ton.
o Kuching (Malaysia) ASTA: 9,000 USD/ton.
• White Pepper:
o Muntok: 9,401 USD/ton.
o Malaysia ASTA: 11,600 USD/ton.
• Vietnamese Pepper:
o Black pepper (500 g/l): 6,350 USD/ton.
o Black pepper (550 g/l): 6,650 USD/ton.
o White pepper: 9,550 USD/ton.
Pepper prices continue to be influenced by limited supply, speculative activity, and the effects of climate change, making it unlikely for prices to decrease significantly even during the peak harvest period.
T.Huong
Source: Vitic