The US continues to be the largest market for Vietnamese pepper, accounting for 26.75% of total export volume in the first three months of 2026.

Statistics from the Department of Customs (Ministry of Finance) indicate that Vietnam's pepper exports in March 2026 reached 30.55 thousand tons, valued at 199.56 million USD, representing an increase of 119.7% in volume and 117.1% in value compared to February 2026, and an increase of 52.7% in volume and 42.4% in value compared to March 2025.

Cumulatively for the first three months of 2026, Vietnam's pepper exports reached 61.13 thousand tons, valued at 430.8 million USD, up 40.1% in volume and 32.9% in value compared to the same period in 2025.

The average export price of Vietnamese pepper in March 2026 reached 6,531 USD/ton, down 1.2% compared to February 2026 and down 6.7% compared to March 2025. Generally, for the first three months of 2026, the average export price of Vietnamese pepper reached 6,514 USD/ton, a 5.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.

In March 2026, Vietnam's pepper exports increased compared to March 2025 across many markets such as the US, Thailand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Egypt, and Pakistan. However, exports to several markets still declined, including India, the UK, and South Korea.

Overall, in the first three months of 2026, the US remained Vietnam's largest pepper export market, accounting for 26.75% of total export volume, up from the 23.28% share recorded in the first three months of 2025.

Vietnam's pepper exports to various markets showed uneven growth in the first three months of 2026. Specifically, exports to several markets increased significantly, such as the United States, Thailand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, and Egypt. Conversely, exports to some markets decreased, including Germany, India, the UK, and South Korea.

Germany is the largest importer of pepper (HS 090411, 090412) within the EU, accounting for approximately 20-30% of total EU imports. Germany is also one of Vietnam's major pepper export markets.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), the pepper market in early 2026 is facing an imbalance between supply and demand. The 2026 crop output is forecasted to reach 170,000-180,000 tons, a decrease of 15-20% compared to the previous crop due to adverse weather and aging plantations. Despite this, the replanting of pepper trees remains very limited due to competition from higher-value crops and a lack of new available land.

On a global scale, pepper production in 2026 is forecasted to reach approximately 530,000 tons, a slight increase compared to 2025 but still lower than the 2024 production level, while consumer demand continues to remain high.

"As such, with an unabdunant supply, pepper prices are expected to remain at high levels in the medium and long term," the Agency of Foreign Trade assessed.

Source: VTV.vn