Coffee prices ease amid softer global sentiment
Domestic coffee prices in Vietnam’s Central Highlands extended their downward trend on March 25, reflecting both external and internal market pressures. The decline followed a cooling of geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which had previously supported commodity prices through risk premiums. Farmgate prices for raw coffee beans (robusta) fell by between 300 and 500 dong per kilogram compared to the previous trading session. Prices ranged from 92,600 to 93,700 dong/kg across key producing provinces. Lam Dong (formerly part of Dak Nong region in some trade classifications) recorded the highest purchase price at 93,700 dong/kg, down 300 dong on the day. In Dak Lak and Gia Lai, two of the country’s largest coffee-growing areas, traders were offering around 93,500 dong/kg, marking a decline of 500 dong.

On the international stage, coffee prices also moved lower. On the London exchange, robusta futures for May 2026 delivery fell by $27 to settle at $3,637 per metric ton. The July contract likewise declined to $3,558 per ton. In New York, arabica futures showed a similar trend, with May contracts dropping to 307 US cents per pound and July contracts easing to 299.85 cents.

Market participants attributed the decline to improved global risk sentiment and expectations of ample supply, which reduced speculative buying interest.

Pepper market stabilizes after volatility
Vietnam’s domestic pepper market showed signs of stabilization on March 25 following several sessions of fluctuation. Prices in key producing regions held steady within a narrow band of 135,000 to 136,000 dong/kg.

Dak Lak and Lam Dong continued to lead with the highest levels at 136,000 dong/kg. Ho Chi Minh City followed at 135,500 dong/kg, while Gia Lai and Dong Nai recorded the lowest prices at 135,000 dong/kg.

In the international market, pepper prices were largely unchanged. According to industry data, Indonesian black pepper was quoted at $6,994 per ton. Brazil’s ASTA 570 grade remained stable at $6,050 per ton, while Malaysian pepper was listed at $9,100 per ton.

Vietnam’s export prices also held steady, with black pepper ranging from $6,300 to $6,400 per ton depending on quality standards. White pepper prices showed no movement, with Vietnamese product at $9,050 per ton and Malaysian white pepper at $12,100 per ton.

The overall stability reflected a balance between steady demand and sufficient supply, with no major disruptions reported in global trade flows.

Rice market remains quiet with weak demand
In the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s main rice-producing region, market activity remained subdued. Trading volumes were low, and buying interest was described as weak, leading to largely unchanged prices across most categories.

Fresh paddy prices were stable. OM 18 and Dai Thom 8 varieties traded between 5,600 and 5,800 dong/kg. IR 50404 remained in the range of 5,200 to 5,300 dong/kg, while OM 5451 was quoted at 5,400 to 5,500 dong/kg.

Rice prices at the wholesale level showed minimal movement, with OM 5451 recording a slight increase of 50 dong/kg to 8,300–8,400 dong/kg. Other varieties remained unchanged.

At retail markets, prices were steady. Huong Lai rice was sold at around 22,000 dong/kg, while Thai fragrant long-grain rice ranged from 20,000 to 22,000 dong/kg. Standard rice varieties were priced between 12,000 and 13,000 dong/kg.

On the export front, Vietnam continued to maintain a competitive edge. The country’s 5% broken rice was offered at $400–415 per ton, slightly higher than Thai rice but significantly above Indian supplies. Prices for 100% broken rice and jasmine rice also remained stable.

Market observers noted that despite subdued domestic trading, export demand continued to provide underlying support for prices.

Durian prices fall sharply amid peak supply
The most notable development in Vietnam’s agricultural markets on March 25 was the decline in durian prices, driven by a surge in supply as Thailand entered its peak harvest season.

At collection points, prices for Thai durian (Monthong variety) saw significant adjustments. Grade A fruit dropped to around 110,000–115,000 dong/kg. Lower-grade fruit (often referred to as “dạt”) experienced sharper declines, falling to 55,000–65,000 dong/kg.

However, premium-grade durian maintained strong price levels, with top-quality Grade A fruit continuing to command between 155,000 and 165,000 dong/kg, reflecting sustained demand in high-end segments.

Domestic durian varieties showed mixed performance. Ri6 Grade A in the Mekong Delta was priced between 80,000 and 86,000 dong/kg, while Grade B stood at around 71,000 dong/kg.

Musang King durian, a high-value imported and locally cultivated variety, traded between 137,000 and 140,000 dong/kg for Grade A fruit. Chuong Bo durian was quoted at 80,000–85,000 dong/kg.

The price adjustments highlighted the sensitivity of the durian market to seasonal supply fluctuations, particularly given the strong influence of Thai exports.

Rubber prices steady at home, rise overseas
Vietnam’s domestic rubber market remained stable on March 25, with procurement prices unchanged at major companies.

Phu Rieng Rubber Company purchased latex at 440 dong per TSC/kg. Mang Yang recorded 463 dong per TSC/kg for Grade 1 latex, while Binh Long reported 432 dong per TSC/kg at factory level.

In contrast, global rubber markets extended gains for a second consecutive session. Prices on the Shanghai and Singapore exchanges increased across most contract months, supported by improved demand outlook and tighter supply expectations.

On the Tokyo exchange, however, prices were mixed, with some short-term contracts showing slight declines amid profit-taking.

Live hog prices diverge across regions
Vietnam’s live hog market showed divergent trends on March 25 following recent upward adjustments.

In the northern region, prices declined by 1,000 to 2,000 dong/kg in several provinces. Thai Nguyen recorded the lowest level at 63,000 dong/kg, while other localities traded up to 65,000 dong/kg.

The central region and Central Highlands remained stable, with prices ranging from 64,000 to 68,000 dong/kg. Lam Dong continued to record the highest level within this region.

In the south, prices remained elevated. Can Tho saw a modest increase of 1,000 dong/kg to reach 68,000 dong/kg. Key provinces such as Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vinh Long maintained the highest levels nationwide at 69,000 dong/kg.

Traders noted that strong demand and limited supply continued to support prices in southern markets, even as northern regions experienced slight corrections.

Overall market outlook
Overall, Vietnam’s agricultural markets on March 25 reflected a period of relative stability punctuated by selective price corrections. The decline in coffee and durian prices underscored the influence of global sentiment and seasonal supply dynamics, respectively.

Meanwhile, the stability in pepper and rice markets suggested a temporary equilibrium between supply and demand, while rubber and livestock markets highlighted the divergence between domestic and international trends.

Market participants are expected to closely monitor global developments, weather conditions, and cross-border trade flows in the coming sessions, as these factors will continue to shape price movements across Vietnam’s key agricultural commodities.

Source: Vitic