Pepper exports face the opportunity to accelerate
According to a report by the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), in the first four months of 2026, exports of pepper and spices across the entire industry reached approximately 150,000 tonnes, with a value of about 760 million USD, an increase of 20% in volume and 15% in value compared to the same period in 2025.
Specifically, pepper exports reached approximately 96,000 tonnes, generating $625 million in revenue, representing a 30% increase in volume and a 22% increase in value. Exports to the US saw a significant increase of about 40%, while exports to China increased by over 200%.
In an interview with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Ms. Hoang Thi Lien, President of Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), stated that these results demonstrate a positive growth trend in the pepper and spice export sector, with pepper continuing to play a leading role. This is considered a positive sign amidst ongoing global trade uncertainties due to geopolitical conflicts and the tightening of import standards in many major markets.
However, growth rate in revenue remains lower than the growth in volume, reflecting the uneven increase in export prices across different spice groups. Some commodities such as cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, cardamom, chili peppers, and the ginger-turmeric group are showing differentiated growth trends.
Notably, VPSA forecasts that Vietnam's pepper exports in 2026 will maintain positive growth momentum, despite fluctuations in the international market. Accordingly, if the conflict in the Middle East continues, Vietnam's pepper export volume may be equivalent to or slightly decrease by about 3-5% compared to 248,000 tonnes of 2025. However, export value is still expected to increase by 5-10% thanks to sustained high price of pepper.
In a more positive scenario, if geopolitical tensions ease soon, pepper exports could grow more strongly with a volume increase of about 5-10% and a value increase of over 10%. According to VPSA, the biggest driver for growth will come from the recovery of import demand in the US and China. In particular, the US market is projected to increase imports again by about 20-30% after a decline in 2025. Meanwhile, China, a market that had delayed imports for the past two years waiting for prices to fall, is showing signs of returning to strong buying.
Currently, China's pepper consumption is estimated at around 90,000-100,000 tonnes per year, while domestic production only reaches about 30,000 tonnes. The large gap between supply and demand is expected to force this market to increase imports in the near future. Many businesses in the industry believe that if demand from China recovers significantly, world pepper prices could continue to remain high in the second half of 2026.
Businesses still face many pressures
Despite positive export prospects, Vietnamese pepper industry is still facing many difficulties. According to VPSA, importing markets are increasingly tightening requirements regarding pesticide residue levels, traceability, sustainability certification and food safety standards. This is putting significant pressure on many export businesses and domestic raw material areas.
In addition, geopolitical conflicts and surcharges arising from maritime transport are impacting export activities; some shipments are currently stuck in the Middle East, especially at Jebel Ali port, while shipping companies have not yet found a suitable solution. Competition from pepper-producing countries such as Brazil and Cambodia is also becoming more intense.
Furthermore, businesses are facing difficulties in accessing capital due to rising interest rates and tightened credit. Process of certifying growing areas for some spice crops in many localities is also inconsistent, hindering traceability and meeting export requirements.
To support businesses, VPSA recommends further improving access to credit for agricultural businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises; and building a detailed statistical system of growing areas down to the commune level to serve management and policy planning. The Association also proposes that Ministry of Agriculture and Environment strengthen exchanges with Taiwan (China) to resolve difficulties regarding pepper shipments under Sudan IV warning.
Regarding implementation of Order 280 of General Administration of Customs of China, the Association requests that Ministry of Agriculture and Environment strengthen the mechanism for updating and exchanging information with China in a proactive, regular and timely manner regarding any changes made by exporting businesses. This continuous and synchronized updating is particularly important to ensure consistency between domestic data and data on China's registration system (CIFER), thereby minimizing risks such as false information warnings, registration number suspension, customs congestion, or export disruptions.
According to experts, in context of continuously increasing global demand for spices, Vietnamese pepper still has much room for export expansion. However, to take advantage of this opportunity, businesses need to boost investment in clean raw material areas, traceability and improve their ability to meet increasingly stringent international standards.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn