The United States continues to maintain its top position.

According to statistics from the Customs Department, Vietnam's pepper exports continued to climb during the first eight months of 2026, with export volume expanding by more than 15% year-on-year. However, a softer average export price resulted in export turnover growth trailing the expansion in physical volume.

In August 2026 alone, Vietnam exported approximately 23,000 metric tons of pepper, generating nearly USD 148 million. Compared to the preceding month, export volume edged down slightly, with turnover dipping around 1%. Nonetheless, compared to the same period in 2025, export volume still increased by roughly 6%, while export value gained 5%.

Cumulatively over the first eight months, Vietnam exported roughly 192,000 tons of pepper, reaching an export turnover of USD 1.25 billion. Compared to the same period last year, export volume grew by over 15%, while value rose by around 10%. This trend shows that volume expansion is acting as the primary growth engine driving pepper export earnings in 2026.

In contrast to rising volumes, average export prices have trended downward. In August, the average export price of pepper stood at around USD 6,500/ton, down slightly compared to July and the same period in 2025.

Across the entire eight-month period, average export prices reached approximately USD 6,510/ton, 4% lower than the corresponding period last year.

Although export shipments are expanding strongly, the decline in average realized prices highlights that the pepper sector continues to confront the imperative of enhancing product value addition, rather than relying exclusively on volume gains to elevate export earnings.

The United States remained Vietnam’s largest pepper export market in the first eight months of 2026. Vietnam shipped approximately 46,000 tons to this destination, accounting for 24% of its total export volume—a higher share than recorded during the same period in 2025.

Compared to the same period last year, the volume of pepper exported to the US expanded by roughly 24%, while export value rose 19%. Vietnam also stands as the largest pepper supplier to the US, commanding a market share exceeding 80% of total American pepper import volume.

In the US, Vietnamese pepper is utilized predominantly as a condiment across the food processing industry, home kitchens, and as a base ingredient for commercial spice blends. Vietnamese black pepper, white pepper, and ground pepper are featured across a wide array of products including sausages, bacon, savory baked goods, snack foods, and prepared canned sauces.

Vietnamese pepper is also an essential component in popular seasoning blends, such as barbecue (BBQ) rubs and lemon pepper seasonings.

Pepper—particularly black pepper—is celebrated as "black gold" and the "king of spices," ranking among the world's most widely consumed condiments. Vietnam has progressively consolidated its dominant position on the international pepper market. In 2001, Vietnam emerged for the first time as the world's largest pepper exporter, shipping 50,506 tons and generating roughly USD 90 million.

To date, approximately 95% of Vietnam’s pepper output is destined for export. Vietnamese pepper is shipped to more than 120 countries and territories.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), the global pepper market since the start of the year has continued to be supported by low supply inventories, while demand across several major consumption centers shows signs of recovery. Global pepper stockpiles currently stand at roughly 170,000 tons, of which Vietnam holds approximately 50,000 to 60,000 tons.

Alongside the US, several destinations registered notable import growth during the first eight months, including Turkey, Thailand, the Netherlands, Egypt, and the Philippines.

As of year-end 2024, Vietnam’s total pepper cultivation area reached 110,500 hectares, with an average yield of 2.6 metric tons/ha—double the global average—producing an annual output of roughly 200,000 tons.

Looking toward 2030, Vietnam’s planned pepper acreage is projected to adjust to 80,000–100,000 hectares, with yields maintained at 2.4–2.5 tons/ha and aggregate production stabilizing between 200,000 and 230,000 tons.

Source: CafeF