Black pepper exports account for 66% pepper volume

Black pepper exports accelerate

According to preliminary data from the Department of Viet Nam Customs, the export structure of pepper in the first quarter of 2026 remained concentrated on black pepper, accounting for 66.32%. The remaining products included white pepper at 12.8%, ground black pepper at 12.6%, ground white pepper at 3.5%, and a small share of other processed products such as green pepper, red pepper, and mixed-color pepper.

Not only does black pepper account for the largest share, it is also the fastest-growing product. In the first quarter of 2026, black pepper exports reached 43.8 thousand tons, equivalent to USD 288.7 million, up 42.2% in volume and 38.8% in value compared to the same period last year. In March 2026 alone, exports totaled 3.8 thousand tons, an increase of 23.2% year-on-year, indicating that the upward momentum remains steady.

Despite strong growth in both volume and export value, black pepper prices showed a sideways trend. The average export price in Q1 2026 stood at USD 7,443 per ton, down slightly by 0.3% compared to the same period in 2025. In March 2026, the average price reached USD 7,451 per ton, decreasing by 1.2% month-on-month and 1.5% year-on-year. This suggests that market competition remains intense, while global supply has not experienced significant fluctuations.

Viet Nam exports black pepper to 42 markets

In terms of markets, Vietnamese black pepper was exported to 42 countries and territories in the first quarter of 2026. Among them, the U.S. remained the largest market, accounting for 46.11% of total export volume. Other markets held shares ranging from 1% to 9%, reflecting diversification but still a concentration on several key partners.

Notably, Viet Nam’s black pepper exports increased in most major markets, except for Japan and Germany, which recorded declines. Among the high-growth destinations, Canada stood out as a bright spot with a surge in demand. Specifically, exports to this market reached 670 tons, valued at USD 4.92 million, up 292.5% in volume and 210.8% in value year-on-year. Meanwhile, markets such as the Netherlands, Australia, Thailand, South Korea, and South Africa also posted positive growth.

In contrast, import demand in the U.S. showed signs of slowing in the early months of 2026. According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, in the first two months of the year, the country imported 13.34 thousand tons of pepper, valued at USD 100.15 million, down 10.1% in volume and 5.7% in value compared to the same period in 2025. The average import price in February 2026 reached USD 7,469 per ton, edging down by 0.2%.

Despite the overall decline, Viet Nam maintained its position as the largest supplier to the U.S. market. In the first two months of 2026, Vietnamese pepper accounted for 80.74% of total U.S. imports, a sharp increase from 60.93% a year earlier. Notably, imports from Viet Nam continued to grow, reaching 10.77 thousand tons worth USD 80.63 million, up 19.1% in volume and 21.2% in value year-on-year.

A noteworthy point is that the import price of Vietnamese pepper into the U.S. rose more modestly than that of other suppliers, increasing by only 1.8% compared to the overall average rise of 4.9%. This indicates that Vietnamese pepper continues to maintain a price competitiveness advantage, helping sustain its market share.

Domestically, pepper prices also trended upward in April 2026. As of April 24, prices in key growing regions ranged from VND 138,000 to VND 142,000 per kilogram, up by VND 3,000-6,000 per kilogram compared to the end of March.

Dak Lắk recorded the strongest increase, reaching VND 142,000 per kilogram, up VND 6,000. Other provinces such as Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai saw increases of around VND 5,000, with prices rising to VND 140,000-141,000 per kilogram. Meanwhile, Gia Lai reached VND 138,000 per kilogram, up VND 3,000 from the previous month.

The domestic price increase reflects current supply-demand dynamics. Following the main harvest season, supply has begun to tighten, while export demand remains stable, putting upward pressure on domestic prices.

Looking ahead, experts expect domestic pepper prices to remain at high levels, driven primarily by limited supply after the harvest season combined with steady import demand from major markets such as the U.S. and Europe.

Overall, black pepper exports are serving as the main driver of growth for Viet Nam’s pepper industry in 2026 early months. With advantages in production volume, market share, and price competitiveness, this product is expected to continue playing a key role in boosting agricultural export turnover in the coming period.

*Currency exchange: 1$ = 26,150 VND (source: Vietcombank).