Vietnam earned 1.1 billion USD from pepper exports in the first 7 months of the year. Notably, the volume of this commodity—often dubbed "black gold"—sold by Vietnam to the United States far outstripped competing rivals.

According to data from the US International Trade Commission (USITC), US pepper imports (HS codes 090411 and 090412) in the first 6 months of this year reached 47,600 tons, valued at 359.8 million USD, up 4.6% in volume and 4.8% in value compared to the same period in 2025.

The average import price of pepper into the US in the first 6 months reached 7,564 USD/ton, up 0.2% compared to the same period in 2025.

Vietnam was the largest pepper supplier to the US market in the first 6 months of 2026, reaching 38,200 tons with a turnover of up to 290.2 million USD, surging by 24.4% in volume and 22.7% in value compared to the same period last year.

Accordingly, Vietnam's market share in total US pepper import volume rose sharply from 67.6% to 80.4%, while its share in value also expanded from 68.9% to 80.7%.

Notably, Vietnam's pepper export price to the US market in the first 6 months reached 7,593 USD/ton, higher than the US average import price of 7,564 USD/ton from all supply sources.

Holding an overwhelming market share exceeding 80%, Vietnam is leaving rivals such as India, Indonesia, and Brazil far behind in the race to export the commodity dubbed "black gold" to the US market.

Statistics from the Customs Department also show that Vietnam's pepper exports in July 2026 reached 22,800 tons, with turnover estimated at 149.5 million USD, up 6.6% in volume and 5.3% in value compared to the same month last year.

Cumulatively for the first 7 months of 2026, Vietnam exported 168.8 thousand tons of "black gold", raking in 1.1 billion USD. Compared to the same period last year, pepper exports increased by 16.7% in volume and 11.1% in value.

Over the past 7 months, the US remained Vietnam's largest pepper export market with 41,500 tons, valued at 299.3 million USD, surging by 26.6% in volume and 20.6% in value year-on-year compared to 2025.

Accordingly, the US market accounted for up to 24.6% of Vietnam's total pepper export volume in the past 7 months, higher than the 22.7% level recorded in 2025.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), the global pepper market since the beginning of the year has continued to be supported by low supply levels, while demand in many major markets shows signs of recovery.

Global pepper inventories currently stand at around 170 thousand tons, with Vietnam alone accounting for approximately 50,000–60,000 tons.

In 2025, Vietnam's pepper production was estimated at 170 thousand tons, down 12.8% compared to the previous year.

Also according to VPSA, although enterprises continue to face headwinds from logistics costs and geopolitical uncertainties, constrained supply remains a primary factor keeping pepper prices elevated in the first half of the year, thereby supporting export turnover through the closing months of the year.

The US continues to be recognized as a vital destination for Vietnamese pepper. The robust surge in exports to this market demonstrates Vietnam's supply capabilities and solid standing in one of the world's premier consumer markets.

Source: Bao VietNamNet