Vietnamese Product Sweeps the U.S. Market: Dominating Competitors’ Combined Share Amid Global Scarcity

According to preliminary statistics from the General Department of Customs, in September, Vietnam exported over 20,000 tons of peppercorns, valued at more than $136 million. This represents a 4.6% decrease in volume and a 2.5% decline in value compared to the previous month.

In the first three quarters of the year, Vietnam exported over 186,000 tons of peppercorns, generating more than $1.2 billion in revenue. While the volume decreased by 6.9%, the value surged by 27.6% compared to the same period in 2024.

The average export price saw a significant increase, with black pepper reaching $6,647 per ton (up by $1,795) and white pepper at $8,716 per ton (up by $2,254) compared to the same period in 2024.

In terms of market share, the United States remains the largest importer of Vietnamese peppercorns, with nearly 42,000 tons valued at over $312 million. Despite a 28% drop in volume, the value increased by 4.3% compared to Q3 2024. From the beginning of the year, the top peppercorn exporters to the U.S. were Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Brazil, and China. Vietnam continues to be the largest supplier to the U.S. market, accounting for 64.4% of total peppercorn imports. Lower tariffs compared to Brazil and India, coupled with stable supply capabilities, are expected to drive a recovery in Vietnamese peppercorn exports to the U.S. in the near future.

Germany ranks as the second-largest market, importing over 13,000 tons valued at nearly $100 million, marking a 1% increase in volume and a 43% rise in value compared to the same period in 2024.

India holds the third position, with over 10,000 tons valued at more than $71 million, reflecting an 8% increase in volume and a 64% surge in value compared to Q3 2024.

The 2025 pepper harvest in Vietnam has officially concluded, with an estimated output of 180,000 tons, a 10,000-ton decrease from 2024 due to the absence of new pepper cultivation areas in the past season.

The lack of expansion in cultivation areas, coupled with unfavorable weather conditions, has limited supply. This scarcity has driven domestic pepper prices upward, contrary to global trends.

The Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) forecasts that global pepper prices will rise in the second half of the year as major markets increase their demand, creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese pepper exports.

In the global market, the latest trading session data from the International Pepper Community (IPC) shows that the price of Indonesian Lampung black pepper increased by $1 per ton, reaching $7,234 per ton.

Conversely, Brazilian ASTA 570 black pepper prices dropped by $100 per ton, falling to $6,100 per ton—the lowest in the market.

In Malaysia, Kuching black pepper is priced at $9,500 per ton.

According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), export demand to major markets such as China, India, and Europe remains stable. However, purchasing activity has slowed as importers await lower price adjustments.

Domestically, farmers’ inventory levels are low, but buying power is temporarily weak due to a wait-and-see attitude. The market is currently in a stalemate, with both buyers and sellers monitoring future developments.