Vietnam Takes the Lead: The World’s Largest Pepper Exporter

29/07/2025 14:28

1. Maintaining Global Leadership

Vietnam has firmly established itself on the global map as the top producer and exporter of pepper, accounting for 40–55% of global output, which translates to more than 220,000–250,000 tons annually.

2. Export Revenue Soars

In early 2022, pepper export revenue reached approximately USD 950 million, making up nearly 44% of the world’s total pepper export value.

In 2023, Vietnam exported over 250,000 tons, generating nearly USD 1 billion, holding around 55% of the global market share.

In 2024, the pepper industry continued its momentum, reaching USD 1.32 billion in export revenue, officially returning to the group of Vietnam’s billion-dollar export products.

3. Sustainable Competitive Advantages

Thanks to the EVFTA agreement, Vietnamese pepper exports to the EU have enjoyed a 0% tariff since 2020, giving a strong pricing edge.

Superior quality: Vietnamese pepper is prized for its intense spiciness, bold aroma, and compliance with international standards.

High productivity: Vietnam’s pepper productivity is nearly double the global average, thanks to modern farming techniques and strict quality control.

4. Market Trends & Sustainable Growth

Vietnam exports pepper to over 80–110 countries and territories, with major markets including the U.S., EU (Germany, Netherlands), UAE, India, South Korea, and the Philippines.

In early 2024, prices rose sharply, with black pepper reaching USD 3,800–5,400 per ton and white pepper over USD 5,900 per ton – an increase of 8–14% year-on-year.

Leading FDI firms like Nedspice and Olam are key exporters, while domestic enterprises are pushing for technological transformation and integrated agricultural value chains.

5. Challenges & Future Directions

Climate change and global supply fluctuations are affecting Vietnam, with 2024 production expected to fall to just 170,000 tons – the lowest in a decade.

Stringent import standards from global markets are increasing pressure on Vietnam to uphold clean farming, food safety, and quality consistency.

Sustainable development requires product diversification, deeper processing, strong branding, and closer cooperation between farmers, enterprises, and policymakers.

Vietnam not only maintains its position as the world’s top pepper exporter but is also advancing toward a future defined by sustainability, quality, and competitiveness. Despite ongoing challenges like climate change and stricter market requirements, Vietnam’s pepper industry is heading in the right direction, solidifying its presence on the global agricultural map.

Source: congthuong.vn