Domestic coffee prices rebounded sharply, extending a recovery trend seen in recent sessions after a period of decline earlier this month. Farmgate prices in the Central Highlands — Vietnam’s main coffee-growing region — rose by between 400 and 500 dong per kg compared to the previous session. Prices ranged from 91,500 to 92,700 dong per kg, marking a significant recovery and restoring confidence among growers and traders. Dak Nong, which had recently been merged administratively into Lam Dong province, recorded the highest level in the region at 92,700 dong per kg. Meanwhile, Dak Lak and Gia Lai followed closely, with prices holding firm at 92,500 dong per kg. Market participants attributed the rebound to improved buying interest and expectations of tightening supply in the near term, especially as inventories from the previous harvest cycle gradually declined.

On the global front, coffee markets showed mixed performance between the two main varieties. Robusta coffee futures on the London exchange moved higher, with the May 2026 contract rising by 1.47% to $3,579 per tonne. The gains were supported by continued demand for robusta beans, particularly from manufacturers seeking cost-effective alternatives amid elevated arabica prices in previous months.

In contrast, arabica coffee futures on the New York exchange edged lower. The May contract slipped to 292.9 US cents per pound, reflecting mild profit-taking and a temporary easing of bullish momentum. The divergence between robusta and arabica prices underscored differing supply conditions and consumption patterns in global markets.

In stark contrast to coffee, Vietnam’s pepper market experienced a sharp downturn, recording one of its steepest declines since the beginning of the year. Domestic pepper prices fell by between 3,000 and 5,000  dong per kg across major growing regions. As a result, prices dropped to a range of 137,000 to 138,000 dong per kg, marking the lowest level since early August 2025. The decline raised concerns among farmers, many of whom had expected prices to remain stable or recover amid previously favorable export conditions.

Dak Lak saw the largest drop, with prices falling by 5,000 dong to 138,000 dong per kg. In the southeastern region, Gia Lai and Dong Nai recorded the lowest prices nationwide, both at 137,000 dong per kg.

The downward pressure was attributed to a combination of factors, including increased domestic supply, cautious buying from exporters, and subdued sentiment in global markets.

Internationally, pepper prices also reflected weakness. Indonesian black pepper was quoted at $6,994 per tonne, while Brazil’s ASTA 570 grade declined by $52 to $6,050 per tonne. Despite the broader downturn, Vietnamese export prices remained relatively stable, ranging between $6,300 and $6,400 per tonne, suggesting some resilience due to consistent demand and established market positioning.

Vietnam’s livestock sector continued to show positive momentum, with live hog prices rising across all three regions — north, central, and south. The increases, typically around  1,000 dong per kg, reflected steady demand and improving market sentiment.

In the northern region, prices reached 67,000 dong per kg in key provinces such as Bac Ninh and Hung Yen. Lao Cai recorded a stronger increase of 2,000 dong per kg, pushing prices up to 66,000 dong per kg.

In the central and Central Highlands regions, trading activity also picked up. Lam Dong maintained its position as the highest-priced market in the region, with live hog prices increased by 1,000 dong to 67,000 dong per kg.

The southern region remained the most dynamic, with widespread price gains across major livestock hubs. Provinces including Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vinh Long all recorded increases of VND 1,000 per kg. Prices in these areas climbed to 68,000 dong per kg, setting a new national high.

Market analysts noted that the sustained uptrend in hog prices was driven by stable consumption demand and limited short-term supply expansion, as farmers remained cautious about herd rebuilding amid cost pressures.

The fruit market, particularly durian, showed encouraging signs of recovery, especially in the high-end segment. In the Mekong Delta — Vietnam’s main fruit-producing region — prices for premium durian varieties increased or held firm.

Thai durian (VIP Grade A) was purchased at 165,000 dong per kg, while Grade B was priced at 145,000 dong per kg. Other Thai durian grades ranged widely from 50,000 to 145,000 dong per kg, depending on quality, size, and appearance.

Ri6 durian, a popular domestic variety, maintained stable trading levels. Grade A fruit was priced between 82,000 and 85,000 dong per kg, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.

High-end specialty varieties also commanded strong prices. Musang King durian was traded at 133,000 to 140,000 dong per kg, while Sau Huu durian ranged from 95,000 to 110,000 dong per kg. The steady performance of these premium products suggested that demand remained resilient among higher-income consumers and export markets.

Overall, the durian market appeared to be gradually stabilizing after previous fluctuations, with improved alignment between supply and demand.

In contrast to the more dynamic movements seen in other commodities, Vietnam’s rice market remained relatively quiet. Trading activity in the Mekong Delta slowed, with limited price fluctuations observed.

Prices for fresh paddy remained largely unchanged compared to the previous session. OM 18 and Dai Thom 8 varieties were traded at 5,600 to 5,800 dong per kg, while IR 50404 hovered around 5,200 to 5,300 dong per kg.

However, prices for rice materials and by-products edged lower due to abundant supply. OM 5451 rice, for example, declined by 50 dong per kg, settling in the range of  8,250 to  8,350 dong per kg.

Despite the subdued domestic market, Vietnam’s rice exports remained competitive on the global stage. The country’s 5% broken rice was quoted at $400 to $415 per tonne, significantly higher than comparable products from Thailand, which were priced at $381 to $385 per tonne, and India, at $351 to $355 per tonne.

The price premium reflected the perceived quality and reliability of Vietnamese rice, as well as sustained demand from key importing markets.

Overall, the agricultural commodities market on March 20 reflected a complex and uneven landscape. Coffee and live hog prices continued to strengthen, supported by favorable demand and tightening supply expectations. Meanwhile, pepper faced significant headwinds, falling to multi-month lows amid weak sentiment and increased supply pressure.

At the same time, the durian market showed early signs of recovery, particularly in premium segments, while the rice sector remained stable but subdued. The divergence across commodities highlighted the importance of closely monitoring both domestic conditions and global market trends in shaping price movements.

Source: Vitic