Vietnam continues to be the world’s largest pepper producer, maintaining its role as a key pillar of global supply while establishing a new, higher price benchmark for the pepper industry in 2025.

In Dak Lak, pepper was purchased at VND152,000/kg, down VND500/kg. In Dak Nong (Lam Dong Province), prices stood at VND151,500/kg, down VND1,000/kg. Gia Lai recorded VND150,500/kg, down VND500/kg. In Dong Nai, prices were also VND150,500/kg, down VND500/kg. In Ba Ria–Vung Tau (Ho Chi Minh City), prices declined by VND500/kg to VND151,000/kg. In Binh Phuoc (Dong Nai Province), prices fell by VND1,000/kg to VND149,000/kg.

At the latest session, the International Pepper Community (IPC) quoted black pepper Lampung (Indonesia) at USD6,567/tonne; black pepper Brazil ASTA 570 at USD6,100/tonne; and black pepper Kuching (Malaysia) ASTA at USD9,000/tonne. White pepper Muntok was priced at USD9,123/tonne, while Malaysian white pepper ASTA stood at USD12,000/tonne.

Vietnamese black pepper traded at USD6,600/tonne for 500 g/l grade and USD6,800/tonne for 550 g/l grade, while white pepper was priced at USD9,350/tonne.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, pepper production in 2025 reached 195,000 tonnes, up from 180,000 tonnes in 2024. Vietnam continues to be the world’s largest producer, maintaining its pivotal role in global supply. Domestic supply has been relatively stable thanks to improved yields, expansion of young pepper gardens, and increased investment amid high prices.

Looking ahead to the 2026 crop, the Association forecasts adverse weather conditions, including early-year drought and heavy rains with disease pressure during the rainy season. Yields in many regions are expected to remain at average levels, with 2026 output projected to decline by 10% compared with 2025.

Although prices in 2025 remained high, they stabilised toward the end of the year. Domestic pepper prices peaked early in Q1 2025, declined mid-year, and moved sideways toward year-end at around VND145,000–150,000/kg for black pepper and VND230,000–243,000/kg for white pepper. FOB prices ranged from USD6,300–6,800/tonne for black pepper and USD8,400–9,100/tonne for white pepper. Compared with 2024, 2025 no longer saw overheated growth but entered a more balanced phase while maintaining a high price level.

Vietnam’s pepper exports maintained strong growth momentum in late 2025, lifting total export turnover in the year to a record 1.66 billion USD, the highest level ever recorded by the sector.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), the country exported 22,473 tonnes of pepper of all kinds in December, earning 146.4 million USD.

Compared with November, export volume rose 20.9% and value increased 20.5%, while year-on-year growth reached 47.2% in volume and 45.5% in value. Average export prices in December stood at 6,485 USD per tonne for black pepper and 8,565 USD per tonne for white pepper.

The US remained Vietnam’s largest export market in December, accounting for 27.7% of total shipments with 6,233 tonnes, followed by the UAE, China, Thailand and Germany.

For the whole of 2025, Vietnam exported 247,482 tonnes of pepper, including 212,279 tonnes of black pepper and 35,203 tonnes of white pepper.

Although total export volume declined slightly by about 1.2% compared with 2024, export value surged 26%, reflecting sharply higher prices. Average export prices reached 6,607 USD per tonne for black pepper and 8,629 USD per tonne for white pepper, up more than 30% year-on-year.

Despite the impact of reciprocal tariffs, which caused pepper exports to the US to fall nearly 24% year-on-year, the US remained Vietnam’s largest buyer in 2025 with 55,082 tonnes, accounting for 22.3% of total exports.

Other major markets included the UAE (22,232 tonnes), China (19,923 tonnes), India (12,499 tonnes) and Germany (11,820 tonnes).

T.Huong

Source: Vitic