HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s pepper industry has surged past US$1.5 billion in export earnings in the first 11 months of 2025, overcoming a fall in shipment volumes as tightening global supplies and stronger demand pushed prices sharply higher, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA).

Shipments in November reached 18,582 tonnes, including 16,322 tonnes of black pepper and 2,260 tonnes of white pepper, generating export turnover of $121.5 million. Export volume dipped 4.4 per cent from October and value fell 6.2 per cent, but both rose strongly year-on-year, up 16.5 per cent and 14.2 per cent, respectively.

Exports in the January–November period totalled 225,009 tonnes, down 4.4 per cent from a year earlier. Revenue, however, jumped 24.4 per cent, with black pepper contributing nearly $1.25 billion and white pepper more than $262 million.

Average export prices over the 11 months climbed to $6,618 per tonne for black pepper and $8,636 for white pepper.

The United States remained Việt Nam’s largest market, taking 48,849 tonnes or 21.7 per cent of total exports, though volumes fell 28 per cent year-on-year. The UAE accounted for 8.9 per cent, up 28.6 per cent. China rose 83.7 per cent to 17,744 tonnes. India grew 18 per cent, while Germany declined 23.2 per cent.

Việt Nam imported 2,459 tonnes of pepper in November, worth $15.2 million, up 47.2 per cent from October but down 43.9 per cent year-on-year. Cambodia overtook Brazil as the biggest supplier for the month, shipping 1,506 tonnes or 61.2 per cent of Việt Nam’s imports.

Total pepper imports in the first 11 months reached 40,242 tonnes worth $252 million, up 22 per cent in volume and 62.3 per cent in value. Brazil was the largest supplier with 18,956 tonnes, followed by Cambodia with 11,211 tonnes and Indonesia with 7,156 tonnes.

Global prices were mixed, with Indonesia and Brazil posting slight declines, while Việt Nam’s export prices held firm at $6,500–6,700 per tonne for black pepper and $12,000 for white pepper.

Beyond pepper, Việt Nam also expanded shipments of other spices. Cinnamon exports in November reached 9,466 tonnes worth $23.1 million, while total shipments over 11 months increased 20.7 per cent year-on-year to 108,929 tonnes. Star anise exports rose 53 per cent month-on-month in November to 1,078 tonnes, but 11-month revenue slipped 8 per cent to $53 million despite a 5.5 per cent rise in volume.

The VPSA expects imports to remain elevated as processors secure materials for re-export amid strong demand from China and India. Tight supplies in major producing countries could support prices, while cinnamon and star anise exports are likely to maintain positive growth through year-end. — BIZHUB/VNS