In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pepper exports rose by 31.7% to a value of US$430 million, despite challenges related to global supply and logistics. The export volume increased by 39.2% to 66,350 tonnes, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association.
The month of March saw a significant surge in exports. Shipments totaled $199.3 million, equating to 30,638 tonnes of pepper. This marked an increase of 119.3% from February and a year-on-year rise of 51.3% in value.
Black pepper comprised the majority of these exports, with 26,190 tonnes worth $167.3 million. White pepper accounted for a smaller portion, with 4,448 tonnes worth $32 million. Even though black pepper prices dipped by 0.7%, the average export prices remained high, with black pepper costing an average of $6,520 per tonne and white pepper $8,735 per tonne. On the other hand, white pepper prices experienced a slight increase of 1%.
The United States and China continued as Vietnam’s largest pepper buyers in March, with imports of 8,059 tonnes and 3,663 tonnes, respectively. Compared to the previous month, exports to the United States increased by 121% while those to China rose by 134.7%. Other markets such as Egypt, the Netherlands, Canada, and the Philippines also displayed substantial month-on-month growth.
Alongside increased exports, Vietnam also registered a surge in pepper imports as businesses sought to supplement domestic supplies for processing and re-export. In March, imports amounted to 10,313 tonnes, up 66.2% from February and 108.8% year-on-year. The total imports for the first quarter reached 21,201 tonnes, valued at $121 million, marking a year-on-year increase of 118.9%.
Cambodia was the primary supplier to Vietnam, accounting for 55.1% of imports, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
Despite the encouraging export results, the association highlighted concerns about growing supply-demand imbalances. The 2026 harvest is anticipated to yield only 170,000–180,000 tonnes, a decrease of 15–20% from the previous crop due to unfavorable weather conditions and ageing plantations. This limited supply has driven domestic pepper prices to around VND140,000–150,000 (US$5.32-5.69) per kilogram.
Farmers are not replanting extensively as they switch to higher-value crops and face decreasing land availability. Globally, this year’s pepper output is likely to be approximately 530,000 tonnes, slightly more than in 2025 but still less than in 2024, while demand remains strong.
Exporters also face increasing logistical difficulties due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, which has led to a three to four-fold increase in shipping costs. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial container traffic has disrupted key shipping routes, causing severe congestion at major transshipment hubs. This has forced some exporters to pause new orders to mitigate risks associated with rising costs and delivery delays. Persistent disruptions may impact the sector’s export growth outlook for 2026.
What was the value of Vietnam’s pepper exports in the first quarter of 2026?
The value of Vietnam’s pepper exports in the first quarter of 2026 was US$430 million.
Who were Vietnam’s primary pepper buyers in March of 2026?
The United States and China were Vietnam’s primary pepper buyers in March of 2026.
What concerns does the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association have for the future?
The Association has concerns about growing supply-demand imbalances, unfavorable weather conditions, ageing plantations, and increasing logistical difficulties due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
