Vietnam’s agricultural commodity markets (Morning, March 18) – Coffee and hog prices rose, pepper hit multi-month low
Wednesday, March 18,2026
AsemconnectVietnam - Vietnam’s agricultural commodity markets presented sharply contrasting trends on Wednesday morning (March 18), as coffee and live hog prices extended gains while pepper fell to its lowest level in nearly five months under pressure from fresh harvest supply. Meanwhile, rice markets remained subdued and rubber prices weakened globally, reflecting broader uncertainty across commodities.
Coffee rebounded in tandem with global markets
Vietnam’s domestic coffee prices moved higher after several consecutive sessions of decline, signaling a tentative recovery in the Central Highlands.
Vietnam’s domestic coffee prices moved higher after several consecutive sessions of decline, signaling a tentative recovery in the Central Highlands.
Farm-gate prices increased by around 200 dong per kg, bringing the trading range to 89,700–90,700 dong per kg. The Dak Nong area (now administratively part of Lam Dong) recorded the highest price at 90,700 dong per kg. Dak Lak and Gia Lai followed closely at 90,500 dong.
The upward movement mirrored gains on international exchanges. On the London market, robusta coffee futures for May 2026 rebounded from a seven-month low, rising 0.58% to $3,475 per ton. The July contract also climbed by $23 to $3,395 per ton.
In New York, arabica coffee posted stronger gains. The May 2026 contract rose 2.7% to 292.85 US cents per pound, while the July contract reached 286.25 cents per pound.
The recovery suggested that global markets might be stabilizing after recent heavy selling pressure, lending short-term support to domestic prices.
Pepper dropped sharply to lowest level since October
In contrast, Vietnam’s pepper market came under significant downward pressure, with domestic prices falling sharply by 1,500–3,500 dong per kg.
In contrast, Vietnam’s pepper market came under significant downward pressure, with domestic prices falling sharply by 1,500–3,500 dong per kg.
This decline pushed the average price range down to 140,500–143,000 dong per kg, marking the lowest level since late October 2025. The drop was largely attributed to increasing supply as the new harvest season gained momentum.
Dak Nong (Lam Dong) led the decline, falling by as much as 3,500 dong to 141,000 dong per kg. Ba Ria–Vung Tau (now part of Ho Chi Minh City) and Dong Nai also recorded notable decreases of around 2,500 dong, bringing prices to 140,500 dong. Dak Lak saw a smaller decline but still held the highest regional price at 143,000 dong.
On global markets, export prices remained relatively stable despite the domestic downturn. Indonesian black pepper was quoted at $7,014 per ton, Brazil at around $6,100, and Malaysia at approximately $9,100.
Vietnam’s black pepper exports were priced at $6,300–6,400 per ton for 500 g/l and 550 g/l grades. White pepper stood at around $9,050 per ton, slightly below Indonesia’s $9,287 and significantly lower than Malaysia’s $12,100 per ton.
Rice trading remained subdued, export prices eased
Rice markets in the Mekong Delta continued to show weak trading activity, as many traders remained on the sidelines awaiting clearer price signals.
Rice markets in the Mekong Delta continued to show weak trading activity, as many traders remained on the sidelines awaiting clearer price signals.
Paddy prices were largely stable. OM 18 was traded at 6,000–6,100 dong per kg, Dai Thom 8 at 6,100–6,200 dong, and IR 50404 at around 5,500 dong.
However, export rice prices showed slight declines in some categories. OM 5451 fell by about 150 dong to 8,300–8,400 dong per kg. CL 555 ranged from 7,800 to 7,900 dong, while Dai Thom 8 held at 9,150–9,350 dong.
On the international market, competition remained intense. Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $400–415 per ton, still higher than Thailand’s $381–385 and India’s $351–355, maintaining pressure on export demand.
Durian market remained firm with strong demand
Durian prices in the Mekong Delta continued to show strength, supported by solid demand.
Durian prices in the Mekong Delta continued to show strength, supported by solid demand.
Thai durian Grade A was traded at 155,000–160,000 dong per kg. Grade B ranged from 117,000 to 122,000 dong, while Grade C stood at 68,000–85,000 dong. Lower-grade fruit was priced between 22,000 and 65,000 dong per kg.
Ri6 durian prices softened slightly but remained stable overall, with Grade A at 80,000–85,000 dong and Grade B at 65,000–70,000 dong.
Premium Musang King durian rose by about 2,000 dong from the previous day, reaching 133,000–142,000 dong per kg. Other domestic varieties such as Sau Huu and Chuong Bo maintained firm price levels.
Rubber declined globally, domestic prices held steady
Rubber prices weakened across major Asian exchanges on March 18.
Rubber prices weakened across major Asian exchanges on March 18.
On Japan’s TOCOM exchange, the March 2026 contract dropped sharply by 3.96% to 375 yen per kg, with other contracts also declining between 0.44% and 1.83%.
Singapore’s SGX market recorded mild losses, while Shanghai futures provided a rare bright spot, with some contracts posting marginal gains.
Despite global weakness, domestic rubber prices remained largely unchanged. At Mang Yang Rubber Company, latex (type 1) was priced at 463 dong per TSC per kg.
Other producers such as Phu Rieng, Ba Ria, and Binh Long maintained stable purchasing prices.
Hog prices rose nationwide, southern region led
Vietnam’s live hog market extended its upward trend, with prices rising by 1,000–2,000 dong per kg across all regions.
Vietnam’s live hog market extended its upward trend, with prices rising by 1,000–2,000 dong per kg across all regions.
In the north, Tuyen Quang rose by 2,000 dong to 64,000 dong per kg. Several provinces including Bac Ninh and Hung Yen reached 65,000 dong, the highest in the region.
In central regions, multiple provinces posted increases, while Lam Dong rose to 66,000 dong per kg, the highest in the region.
Southern Vietnam continued to lead the market. Prices increased in several provinces, with Ho Chi Minh City reaching 67,000 dong per kg, the highest level nationwide.
Overall market tone
Overall, Vietnam’s agricultural markets on March 18 reflected divergent supply-demand dynamics. Coffee and hog prices recovered, while pepper faced strong seasonal pressure. Rice markets remained quiet, durian prices held firm, and rubber highlighted a divergence between global weakness and domestic stability.
Overall, Vietnam’s agricultural markets on March 18 reflected divergent supply-demand dynamics. Coffee and hog prices recovered, while pepper faced strong seasonal pressure. Rice markets remained quiet, durian prices held firm, and rubber highlighted a divergence between global weakness and domestic stability.
Source: Vitic
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