Growth in US pepper imports during the first seven months of this year was driven primarily by supplies from Vietnam, against the backdrop of substantial output contractions in major rivals India and Indonesia.

Vietnamese pepper commands an 80.6% market share in the US

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), the United States imported approximately 7,315 metric tons of pepper in July 2026 valued at USD 57.3 million, down 3.0% in volume but up 2.1% in value compared to June 2026. Vietnam remained the primary supplier to the US with 5,898 tons, down 6.0% month-on-month and accounting for 80.6% of total US pepper import volume.

Meanwhile, shipments from India reached 700 tons, up 7.4%; Indonesia delivered 409 tons, up 23.2%; and Brazil shipped 136 tons, up 63.9% month-on-month. Compared to July 2025, overall US pepper imports rose 6.9%, with imports from Vietnam climbing 9.4%.

In the first seven months of 2026, the US imported 54,878 tons of pepper worth USD 417.0 million, up 4.9% in volume and 4.8% in value year-on-year. Vietnam supplied 44,119 tons, marking a sharp 22.2% increase and accounting for 80.4% of total imports, thereby solidifying its commanding position in the US market.

Conversely, imports from India reached 4,265 tons, a 17.3% decline; shipments from Indonesia slumped 59.3% to 2,819 tons; while deliveries from Brazil rose 6.8% to 2,186 tons.

Thus, the expansion of US pepper imports in the first seven months of the year was fueled largely by Vietnamese supply, amid significant declines from key competitors India and Indonesia.

Vietnamese pepper (including black, white, and ground pepper) serves as an indispensable ingredient for major food conglomerates in the US in processing sausages, bacon, savory bakery goods, snacks, and canned sauces.

Pepper from Vietnam constitutes the core ingredient in popular spice blends such as barbecue (BBQ) rubs and lemon pepper seasoning. A ground pepper shaker or small peppermill is typically placed alongside salt on the dining tables of American households and restaurants for direct tabletop seasoning.

While black pepper is a quintessential pantry staple in virtually all American kitchens, white pepper is more prevalent in French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Swedish cuisine. American consumers are not always accustomed to the pungent, earthy, and slightly fermented undertone characteristic of white pepper.

Vietnam exports 95% of its "black gold" across the globe

Black pepper, dubbed "black gold" and the "king of spices," is the world’s most critical and widely consumed seasoning. Pepper has been cultivated in India for millennia and was first introduced to the West following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. In antiquity, pepper was so prized that it served as currency to pay taxes, tributes, dowries, and rent. Weighed like gold, it functioned as a standard medium of exchange.

Pepper featured prominently in ancient Roman cuisine and came to symbolize culinary distinction among Europe's medieval nobility.

In Vietnam, pepper varieties originated from India and were introduced by the French in the 17th century. By the late 19th century, pepper had developed into a commercial commodity cultivated in Phu Quoc, Hon Chong, and Ha Tien (formerly Kien Giang, now part of An Giang Province).

Favored by fertile soil and suitable climatic conditions, pepper acreage in Vietnam expanded rapidly. In 2001, Vietnam emerged for the first time as the world’s largest pepper exporter, shipping 50,506 tons for an export turnover of approximately USD 90 million.

Today, 95% of Vietnam's total pepper production is destined for export. Domestic processing technology has achieved international benchmark standards, fully satisfying consumer demand worldwide.

According to the latest figures from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, national pepper exports in July 2026 reached 22.8 thousand tons valued at USD 149.5 million, down 5.3% in volume and 7% in value compared to June 2026, but up 6.6% in volume and 5.3% in value compared to July 2025.

In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s cumulative pepper exports reached 168.8 thousand tons worth USD 1.1 billion, climbing 16.7% in volume and 11.1% in value year-on-year. The average export price in July 2026 stood at USD 6,543 per ton, down 1.7% from June 2026 and down 1.2% from July 2025.

Beyond the US market, pepper exports to several other destinations posted impressive gains over the seven-month stretch: Turkey surged 102.3% in volume and 96.4% in value; Thailand rose 84.9% in volume and 64.4% in value; the Netherlands gained 41.7% in volume and 32% in value; Egypt climbed 36% in volume and 30.8% in value; and the Philippines advanced 21% in volume and 14.9% in value.

At ports in the Ho Chi Minh City area, black pepper (500 g/l) was quoted at USD 5,990 per ton, up USD 20/ton (or 0.3%), while the 550 g/l grade stood at USD 6,050 per ton, unchanged from July 19, 2026. Meanwhile, white pepper traded at USD 8,400 per ton, up USD 150/ton (or 1.8%) from July 19, 2026.

Source: Bao dien tu Dan Viet