Last week, pepper prices increased by 1,000 - 2,000 VND/kg. Experts predict that the upward trend will likely continue this week, as the market shows further positive signals.

In Đắk Lắk province: 157,000 VND/kg.
In Đắk Nông province: 156,500 VND/kg.
In Gia Lai province: 154,000 VND/kg.
Meanwhile, in Đồng Nai province: 154,500 VND/kg.
In Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu province: 155,000 VND/kg.
In Bình Phước province: 154,000 VND/kg.

Previously, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a proposed retaliatory tariff of 46% on Vietnamese goods, pepper prices continuously declined. Importers delayed purchases, awaiting further moves from the leaders of both countries, leading to a sluggish market and a sharp drop in pepper prices.
The Trump administration's imposition of a 10% tariff on all imports into the U.S. raised serious concerns among Vietnamese pepper exporters. In the early months of 2025, many Vietnamese pepper businesses had signed long-term contracts with U.S. importers, with delivery schedules extending to August and September this year.Previously, pepper exports to the U.S. were almost tariff-free. Now, many shipments already en route to the U.S., contracted at pre-tariff prices, will likely face a 10% tariff upon arrival, prompting possible renegotiations of prices by importers.

On April 9, the U.S. unexpectedly announced a 90-day postponement of the retaliatory tariffs for Vietnam and several other trading partners. The current tariff on pepper remains at 10%.

Importers immediately increased their purchasing, as the future tariff rate after the 90-day postponement remains uncertain.

Additionally, reports of this year's harvest being lower than last year's have become widespread in Vietnam. These factors have helped pepper prices rebound last week, with expectations that they might reach 160,000 VND/kg.

Regarding this week's market outlook, experts say the upward trend is expected to continue, and the market is showing further positive momentum.

High export prices helped Vietnam’s pepper export value remain positive in Q1 2025, despite a decline in export volume. However, the US's imposition of base and reciprocal tariffs on imports has raised concerns among exporters about potential losses.

According to preliminary data from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), Vietnam exported 20,244 tonnes of pepper in March, earning 141.6 million USD — up 41.3% in volume and 45.6% in value month-on-month, but down 21.2% in volume and up 27.9% in value year-on-year. The average export prices were 6,790 USD/tonne for black pepper and 8,802 USD/tonne for white pepper, both higher than the previous month.

In Q1 2025, Vietnam exported 47,660 tonnes of pepper worth 326.6 million USD, down 16.1% in volume but up 38.6% in value year-on-year. Black and white pepper prices rose by 94.9% and 73.9%, respectively.

The US remained Vietnam's largest market, importing 10,278 tonnes (down 32.6%), followed by India, Germany, and the UAE. Meanwhile, Vietnam imported 9,686 tonnes of pepper, mainly from Brazil, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

Exporters are increasingly worried following President Trump's announcement of a 10% base tariff on all imports and a proposed 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods. Many export contracts signed before the tariff announcement could face losses.

Le Viet Anh, Chief of the VPSA Office, noted that Vietnam supplies 77% of the US pepper market. In 2024, exports to the US hit 72,311 tonnes, worth 409 million USD, accounting for 31% of Vietnam’s total pepper export value.

Given the uncertainty, businesses are considering renegotiating contracts to share the tariff burden. The pepper industry hopes upcoming negotiations between the two governments will limit tariffs to the current 10% without additional penalties.

T.Huong

Soure: Vitic