Dak Lak and the former Dak Nong area, now part of Lam Dong Province, recorded the highest prices at VND140,500 per kg. Pepper in the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau area, now part of Ho Chi Minh City, was traded at VND139,500 per kg.

Meanwhile, prices in Gia Lai and Dong Nai stood at VND138,500 per kg.

According to the latest data from the International Pepper Community (IPC), Indonesian black pepper was quoted at USD7,137 per tonne, while Brazilian ASTA 570 black pepper was priced at USD5,950 per tonne. Malaysian black pepper was offered at USD9,350 per tonne.

Current domestic prices remained significantly higher than a year earlier, allowing farmers to maintain healthy profit margins. However, after a strong rally in the first months of the year, the market appeared to be entering a consolidation phase with a narrower trading range.

One positive factor for the market was growing demand from the United States, which remained one of Vietnam's largest pepper export destinations. U.S. imports of Vietnamese pepper have shown encouraging growth in recent months.

At the same time, U.S. imports from Indonesia and Brazil have declined, helping Vietnamese pepper gain market share in the world's largest consuming market and strengthening the industry's position in global trade.

Domestic supply has become less abundant following the end of the main harvest season. Many farmers have continued to hold inventories rather than sell large volumes, anticipating further price gains supported by improving export prospects.

Exporters, meanwhile, have maintained procurement activities based on actual demand. Stable orders from major overseas markets have helped domestic pepper prices remain at elevated levels.

Despite the positive export outlook, the market continues to face uncertainties related to global economic growth, logistics costs and exchange-rate fluctuations, all of which could affect import demand in the coming months.

The increase in U.S. purchases of Vietnamese pepper highlighted the improving competitiveness of the country's pepper sector and was viewed as a positive signal for both producers and exporters amid ongoing volatility in global agricultural markets.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), pepper and spice exports maintained relatively strong growth during the first five months of 2026 despite weaker shipments in May and continued volatility in global markets.

Vietnam exported nearly 122,600 tonnes of pepper worth USD789.2 million during January-May 2026, up 21.7% in volume and 13.9% in value from the same period last year.

In May alone, pepper exports totaled 25,180 tonnes worth USD166.2 million, down 18.9% in volume and 13.9% in value from April. Compared with May 2025, export volume declined 4.8%.

Most major exporters reported lower shipment volumes than in the previous month, reflecting a broader slowdown across the sector.

Although exports to the United States fell more than 19% from April, the country remained Vietnam's largest pepper market, accounting for more than 23% of total exports. The United Arab Emirates ranked second and continued to post stable demand.

China imported only 1,512 tonnes in May, down 66.8% from the previous month, making it the main factor behind the decline in Vietnam's pepper exports during the month.

Other major markets, including India, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey and Thailand, continued to import significant volumes, with Europe remaining the most resilient region.

Growth during the first five months of the year was mainly driven by strong shipments in the first quarter and early second quarter, when import demand improved across several key markets while global pepper supplies remained relatively tight.

Despite weaker exports in May, cumulative results for January-May showed that Vietnam's pepper exports maintained a solid growth trajectory.

The United States remained Vietnam's largest single export market during the five-month period, importing nearly 30,000 tonnes, equivalent to 24.5% of total exports and up 30.2% year-on-year.

Asia remained the largest regional market, accounting for 56,570 tonnes or 46% of total exports, up 24% from a year earlier. China emerged as a standout destination, importing 14,636 tonnes, up 145.4%, making it Vietnam's second-largest pepper market.

Thailand's imports surged 133.8% to 5,376 tonnes, while shipments to the United Arab Emirates were largely unchanged. Exports to India declined 33.3%.

Exports to Europe reached 25,176 tonnes during the first five months, up 5.1% year-on-year. Shipments to the Netherlands rose 51.6%, reflecting stronger import and re-export demand, while exports to Germany fell 30.7%.

On the import side, Vietnam imported 8,745 tonnes of pepper worth USD49.8 million in May, up 7.4% in volume and 6.0% in value from April.

For January-May 2026, pepper imports totaled 38,086 tonnes worth USD217.8 million, up 69% in volume and 60% in value compared with the same period last year.

The increase reflected rising demand for raw materials used in processing and re-export activities as Vietnam's pepper exports remained strong. It also reinforced the country's position as one of the world's leading pepper processing and trading hubs.

Cambodia remained Vietnam's largest supplier, accounting for 54.6% of total import volume, with shipments surging 344.3% year-on-year.

Brazil ranked second, supplying 29.1% of total imports. Although it remained the most important supplier outside Southeast Asia, imports from Brazil declined 3.4% from a year earlier. Imports from Indonesia also fell 16%.

The sharp increase in imported supplies has contributed to easing upward pressure on domestic pepper prices.

Source: Vitic