In the first five months of 2024, Vietnam exported 6,511 tons of chili peppers and earned over 16 million USD, an increase of 10.1% in volume and a significant 36.5% increase in value compared to the same period last year. According to preliminary statistics from the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), Vietnam exported 1.44 thousand tons of chili peppers in May with a revenue of 3.3 million USD, a decrease of 25.8% compared to the previous month. China was the largest export market for Vietnam's chili peppers in May, with 1.27 thousand tons, accounting for 88.7%.

Cumulatively, in the first five months of 2024, our country exported 6.51 thousand tons of chili peppers and earned over 16 million USD, an increase of 10.1% in volume and a significant 36.5% increase in value compared to the same period last year. China maintained its position as the largest export market with 5,791 tons, an increase of 8% compared to the same period last year. Laos held the second position with 461 tons, an increase of 15.8% compared to the first five months of 2023.

In 2023, chili exports reached a value of 20 million USD, corresponding to 10,173 tons, a significant increase of 107% compared to 2022.

Globally, India is the leading producer and exporter of dried chili, accounting for over 6.11% in 2021, followed by Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. India is also the world's top producer and consumer of chili, with approximately 36% of global production, exporting about 30% of its total output.

The Mekong Delta is considered the 'capital' of chili in Vietnam. Here, chili is mainly grown in the provinces of Dong Thap, An Giang, Tien Giang, Soc Trang, Vinh Long, and Tra Vinh, with a total area of over 7,000 hectares and an annual output of about 100,000 tons. Meanwhile, in the Central Highlands, the cultivation area reaches about 4,000-5,000 hectares with an annual output of about 60,000 tons.

Since March 2022, fresh chili from Vietnam has been approved for export to the Chinese market. Accordingly, all fresh chili shipments must be inspected for quarantine by Vietnamese authorities or authorized units, with all relevant parameters clearly noted in the phytosanitary certificate.

What has led to China increasing its imports of Vietnamese chili? According to experts, Vietnamese chili is highly spicy and diverse in variety. Some notable export types include chili peppers, bird's eye chili, yellow horn chili, bell peppers, and long cayenne chili.

Additionally, seasonal differences contribute to the high export volume. In China, the harvest mainly occurs from June to October each year. In Vietnam, chili is usually grown in two crops, with multiple harvesting periods from April to early July and from January to February.

Chili is a familiar fruit to Vietnamese consumers. Farmers liken chili plants to 'one capital, ten profits' because chili has a short growing period, can be intercropped with fruit trees, and does not require much care, making it suitable for farming conditions across the country.

Typically, chili seeds are sown from September to November each year. After two months of planting, chili plants begin to produce harvestable fruits over three to four rounds within about three months, with the highest fruit quality and an ideal weight of up to 4 kg per plant.

Congthuong.vn