According to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs, the country exported 246,130 tons of pepper in 2025, earning $1.66 billion, the highest export value ever recorded for the spice. While export volume dropped slightly by 1.5% compared to 2024, the overall value surged by 26.3%, signaling a sharp rise in global pepper prices.

December proved especially strong for the sector. Vietnam shipped 22,015 tons of pepper that month, generating about $145 million-an increase of 49.3% in volume and 48.9% in value year-on-year.

Among the top 10 export markets, three countries stood out for their sudden, large-scale purchases of Vietnam’s so-called “black gold.”

Vietnamese companies exported 1,518 tons of pepper to the United Arab Emirates, earning nearly $9.4 million-a remarkable 208% increase in volume and 196% in value compared to December 2024.

Cumulatively, exports to the UAE reached $82.2 million in 2025, making it Vietnam’s third-largest pepper buyer, following the US and Germany.

Thailand’s appetite for Vietnamese pepper also spiked in December. Exports to the country jumped 264% in volume and 259% in value, with 1,269 tons shipped, earning nearly $9.63 million. For the full year, Thailand imported $62.72 million worth of pepper, up 73.2% from 2024.

Data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) revealed that Vietnam was Thailand’s largest pepper supplier in the first 11 months of 2025, accounting for 85.8% of total import volume and 84.86% of value. Vietnam was also Thailand’s fastest-growing pepper supplier, reinforcing its competitive edge in both price and quality and its role as a core, irreplaceable source in the Thai market.

Meanwhile, exports to Egypt in December reached 417 tons, worth $2.93 million-a 274% increase in volume and 249% in value year-on-year. For the full year, pepper exports to Egypt totaled nearly $41.2 million, up 57.9% compared to 2024.

With this performance, Thailand and Egypt ranked 6th and 10th, respectively, among Vietnam’s top 10 pepper export markets.

Following years of price volatility and the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s pepper industry has made a strong comeback. In response to changing market dynamics, domestic enterprises are shifting toward deep processing to enhance value and better capitalize on what has been called the world's largest ‘black gold’ reserve.

This pivot marks the beginning of a new golden age for Vietnam’s pepper exports-one driven not only by quantity, but also by quality, branding, and market adaptability.

Tam An