Vietnam pepper industry has reached a historic milestone, with exports setting a new revenue record and the United States paying premium prices as Vietnam consolidates its dominance in the global market.
Data from the General Department of Customs shows that Vietnam exported more than 223,242 tons of pepper in the first 11 months of 2025, generating over $1.5 billion in revenue. This marks the highest export value ever recorded, surpassing the previous peak achieved in 2016.
White pepper emerged as a key growth driver during the period. Exports reached around 24,000 tons, valued at approximately $189.7 million, reflecting a 23.7% increase in volume and a sharp 53.6% rise in value compared to the same period in 2024.
While exports of other pepper varieties declined in volume, their total export value increased, indicating higher prices across segments.
Vietnam’s export structure also continued to shift. The share of black pepper exports declined from 70.9% in 2024 to 68.8% in 2025.
At the same time, processed products gained ground, with ground black pepper rising from 15.4% to 15.9% and white pepper increasing from 8.2% to 10.7%, underscoring the industry’s gradual move toward higher-value products.
The United States, Germany, and India remained Vietnam’s three largest pepper export markets over the past 11 months, accounting for revenues of $373.4 million, $114.8 million, and $74.2 million, respectively.
Figures from the International Trade Center indicate that the United States imported 64,260 tons of pepper in the first nine months of 2025, valued at $488.6 million. Although import volumes fell by 12.1% year-on-year, the total import value surged by 29.8%, reflecting strong price increases.
Vietnam stood out as the dominant supplier to the U.S. market, accounting for 69.3% of the total U.S. pepper import value. Vietnamese pepper also commanded the highest prices among the top five suppliers to the U.S., which include Indonesia, Brazil, China, and Zimbabwe.
The average export price of Vietnamese pepper to the U.S. reached $7,752 per ton, up 52.1% from the same period in 2024 and above the overall U.S. average import price of $7,603 per ton.
Often referred to as Vietnam’s ‘black gold,’ pepper is now exported to 110 countries and territories. Vietnam currently accounts for about 60% of global pepper export volume and continues to diversify its product portfolio to strengthen its market position.
The global pepper market remains under pressure as output declines in several major producing countries. Vietnam plays a critical role in maintaining supply, although unfavorable weather conditions and reduced cultivation areas during earlier low-price periods have affected productivity and output this year.
By the end of 2025, Vietnam’s pepper export earnings are expected to exceed $1.6 billion, setting a new all-time record for the industry.
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