Vietnam’s Pepper Exports Stun the World
In August 2025, Russia’s Pravda published an article titled “Pepper as Currency: Vietnam’s Exports Astonish the World.”
According to the Russian newspaper, Vietnam exported 145,046 tons of pepper worth $988 million in the first seven months of 2025. Despite an 11.7% drop in export volume compared to the same period in 2024, revenue surged by 29.3% due to higher average export prices.
Black pepper prices reached $6,713 per ton, while white pepper hit $8,756 per ton, marking increases of 47% and 41.2%, respectively. Pravda noted these were the highest prices in recent years, indicating a recovering global pepper market and improved quality of Vietnamese pepper.
The primary import markets for Vietnamese pepper are the United States, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the European Union. The U.S. leads as the largest market, importing 30,890 tons, or 21.3% of Vietnam’s total pepper exports.
In 2025, the United Kingdom emerged as a particularly promising destination for Vietnamese pepper exports. In the first four months, Vietnam dominated, accounting for 59.94% by volume and 62.72% by value of the UK’s pepper imports, according to the Import-Export Department.
Vietnam has maintained its position as the world’s largest pepper exporter for over 20 years. Illustrative image
According to the latest updates from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), as reported by Marketing Business, in October 2025, Vietnam exported 19,430 tons of pepper, including 16,464 tons of black pepper and 2,966 tons of white pepper. Total export revenue reached $129.5 million, a 5.2% decrease in volume and a 5% drop in revenue compared to September 2025, but a 5.1% increase in volume and a 7.7% rise in revenue compared to October 2024.
The average export price for black pepper in October was $6,443 per ton, and for white pepper, it was $8,392 per ton. Compared to September, black pepper prices fell by $47 per ton, while white pepper prices dropped by $185 per ton.
As of October 2025, Vietnam exported 206,427 tons of pepper, including 176,577 tons of black pepper and 29,850 tons of white pepper. Total export revenue reached $1.39 billion, with black pepper contributing $1.15 billion and white pepper $244 million.
Despite a 5.9% decline in volume compared to the same period in 2024, export revenue increased by 25.4% due to higher pepper prices. The average export price for the first ten months was $6,628 per ton for black pepper and $8,683 per ton for white pepper, up 36.6% and 34.4%, respectively, year-over-year.
The United States remains Vietnam’s largest pepper market, importing 44,262 tons, or 21.4%, a 29.4% decrease compared to 2024.
Other major export markets include the UAE with 17,304 tons (8.4%, up 18.8%), China with 16,567 tons (8%, up 79.1%), India with 11,370 tons (5.5%, up 20.6%), and Germany with 10,198 tons (4.9%, down 25.8%). Exports also increased to Thailand (29.1%), Poland (23.7%), Turkey (10.3%), Egypt (4.2%), and South Korea (2%).
According to VPSA, Vietnam has maintained its position as the world’s largest pepper exporter for over 20 years.
Black Gold – Currency for Centuries
According to the McCormick Science Institute (USA), pepper, dubbed “black gold” and the “king of spices,” is the most important and widely used spice globally. Cultivated in India for thousands of years, it was introduced to the West after Alexander the Great’s conquests in the 4th century BC. In ancient times, pepper was so valuable it was used as currency for taxes, tributes, dowries, and rent. It was weighed like gold and widely used as a medium of exchange.
Europe’s reliance on pepper was so significant that it became a common currency, traded like silver. Its use as currency lasted approximately 1,500–2,000 years. People counted peppercorns to pay debts, taxes, rent, and even bribes. Some goods, primarily spices, were accepted in place of money. Rent was sometimes paid in pepper, or pepper was used as a dowry. At times, it held enough value to buy a serf’s freedom in France.
Around 410 AD, when Rome was sacked, 3,000 pounds (about 1 ton) of pepper was demanded as ransom. Though symbolic, this highlights pepper’s high value in ancient times.
During the Middle Ages, many wealthy individuals stored their assets in pepper, and in Germany, the rich were often called “pepper bags.”
Pepper was used in ancient Roman cuisine and became a status symbol in medieval European cooking. Its popularity even fueled the Age of Exploration in the 15th century.
For centuries, pepper was grown only in India’s Malabar region. The quest for a direct route to Indian pepper plantations led Christopher Columbus to the Americas, where he mistakenly called the natives “Indians.”
In Vietnam, pepper was introduced by the French in the 17th century. By the late 19th century, it became a cash crop in Phu Quoc, Hon Chong, and Ha Tien (former Kien Giang Province), later spreading to the red basalt soil regions of the Southeast and Central Highlands in the early 20th century.
Today’s Pepper Prices Remain Stable, Peaking at 150,000 VND/kg
On September 23rd, pepper prices in key producing regions remained stable, hovering between 147,000 and 150,000 VND per kilogram.
Black Pepper Prices on September 21st: A Drop of 1,000 VND/kg
In the weekly review, pepper prices saw an average decrease of 1,000 VND per kilogram, stabilizing within the range of 147,000 to 150,000 VND per kilogram.
Today’s Pepper Price (20/9): Fluctuates Between 147,000 – 150,000 VND/kg
Pepper prices are poised for a significant surge in the coming period as dwindling inventories continue to tighten the market.
Black Pepper Prices on September 7th: Stable Prices, Lowest at VND 151,000/kg
The price of pepper on September 7 fluctuated between 151,000 and 153,000 VND per kg.
The Ultimate Black Gold: Vietnam’s Premium Export that has America and Over 100 Countries Hooked.
“Vietnam is currently the largest supplier to the US market, accounting for 64.4% of total imports of these products into the US. This dominance in the US market showcases Vietnam’s prowess in manufacturing and exporting these goods, solidifying its position as a key player in the global trade landscape.”
