Vietnam’s Record Pepper Exports: A Deep Dive into the “Black Gold”
Vietnam’s pepper, often referred to as “black gold,” has made headlines with remarkable export numbers for the first 11 months of 2025. Recent data from the General Department of Customs reveals that the country exported over 223,242 tons of pepper, generating an impressive revenue of more than $1.5 billion. This new record shatters the previous peak established in 2016, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Rise of the White Pepper
Among the various types of pepper, white pepper has shown promising growth this year. Exports reached 24,000 tons, valued at approximately $189.7 million. This marks impressive growth, with volume increasing by 23.7% and value soaring by 53.6% compared to the same period in 2024. While black pepper traditionally dominates Vietnam’s export market, the significant uptick in white pepper indicates diversifying consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Shifts in Export Proportions
Despite strong overall numbers, the proportion of black pepper in total exports has seen a slight decline, dropping from 70.9% in 2024 to 68.8% in 2025. In contrast, processed forms of pepper are steadily gaining ground. Ground black pepper exports rose from 15.4% to 15.9%, while white pepper soared from 8.2% to 10.7%. This trend reflects a shift towards more processed and specialty products, aligning with global demand for variety and quality.
Key Export Markets
The United States, Germany, and India retained their positions as Vietnam’s top pepper markets. The U.S. alone imported $373.4 million worth of Vietnamese pepper, while Germany and India contributed $114.8 million and $74.2 million, respectively. This strong market presence highlights Vietnam’s global competitiveness in the spice trade and its strategic partnerships with key international players.
Insights from the International Trade Centre
According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), the U.S. imported 64,260 tons of pepper in the first nine months of 2025, valued at an impressive $488.6 million. Although the import volume decreased by 12.1% year-on-year, the value surged by 29.8%, underscoring a demand for high-quality pepper. Notably, Vietnam has emerged as the U.S.’s largest pepper supplier, providing a staggering 69.3% of the total import value.
Premium Pricing
Vietnamese pepper is not only abundant in quantity but also commands the highest prices among the top five global suppliers, which include Indonesia, Brazil, China, and Zimbabwe. The average export price of Vietnamese pepper to the U.S. reached $7,752 per ton, reflecting a remarkable increase of 52.1% from the previous year. This figure surpasses the U.S. market’s average import price of $7,603 per ton, indicating a strong perception of quality and value associated with Vietnamese pepper products.
Global Reach and Market Trends
Vietnam’s influence in the global pepper market is substantial, exporting to 110 countries and territories and accounting for about 60% of worldwide pepper export volume. As major producing countries face challenges like declining output, Vietnam’s pivotal role in the global supply chain becomes even more pronounced. However, the country is not without challenges; unfavorable weather conditions and reduced cultivation areas due to previous low prices have directly affected productivity and output.
Future Projections
By the end of 2025, experts predict that Vietnam’s pepper exports could exceed an astounding $1.6 billion, potentially setting a new highest record. With continuous growth and evolving market dynamics, Vietnam’s pepper industry is poised to remain a crucial player on the global stage, backed by its commitment to quality and innovation in production.
In summary, Vietnam’s export achievements in pepper are more than just numbers; they reflect a dynamic industry adapting to global demands and emerging trends. From rising white pepper exports to premium pricing strategies, Vietnam’s “black gold” is firmly embedded in the fabric of international trade, promising a bright future for the spice that has become synonymous with the country’s agricultural identity.