Vietnam’s pepper production reached approximately 155,000 tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, nearly 8,000 tonnes higher than the same period last year. Export performance also recorded strong gains, generating US$417.5 million in just three months.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, pepper output in the first three months of the year rose by 5.3% year-on-year, equivalent to an increase of nearly 8,000 tonnes.

The growth was attributed to improved crop care, with many pepper farms achieving higher-than-expected yields.

In the domestic market, pepper prices declined by VND7,500-8,500 per kilogram in March. Entering early April, the commodity - often referred to as “black gold” - began to recover. As of April 3, prices in key producing areas were being purchased at around VND138,500-140,000 per kilogram (US$5.70-5.75/kg).

The ministry noted that the drop in March prices was driven by increased supply from the new harvest, while demand had yet to rise correspondingly. However, the pepper market is expected to maintain high price levels in the medium and long term, as global supply remains limited while demand continues to stay strong.

Preliminary statistics show that in March alone, Vietnamese enterprises exported 29,000 tonnes of pepper, earning US$186.2 million - a sharp increase of 32.9% in value compared to March 2025.

Cumulatively, in the first quarter, Vietnam exported 64,600 tonnes of pepper, with total export turnover reaching US$417.5 million. Compared to the same period last year, export volume rose by 36.8%, while export value increased by 28.8%.

The average export price of pepper in Q1 2026 was estimated at US$6,464.6 per tonne, down 5.9% year-on-year.

Regarding export markets, the US, Germany, and Thailand remained Vietnam’s three largest buyers, accounting for market shares of 28.4%, 6.4%, and 6.1%, respectively. Compared to the same period last year, export value to the US increased by 46.8%, exports to Thailand doubled, while exports to Germany declined sharply by 23.2%.

Tam An