Vietnam continues to be the world's largest producer and exporter of pepper.
Customs data show that by mid-July 2026, Vietnamese businesses had exported nearly 156,200 tonnes of pepper. Exports of the spice - often referred to as "black gold" because of its high economic value - generated around US$1.02 billion in revenue.
However, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, companies also imported 45,198 tonnes of pepper worth US$257.7 million during the first half of the year, including 41,342 tonnes of black pepper and 3,856 tonnes of white pepper.
Compared with the same period in 2025, import volume jumped 59.7%, while import value increased 48%.
Notably, imports during just the first six months of 2026 had already exceeded the 42,688 tonnes imported throughout the whole of 2025. The trend indicates that Vietnamese companies are not relying solely on domestic supplies but are increasing imports to support processing, exports and the diversification of raw material sources.
Most imported pepper comes from Cambodia and Brazil.
Commenting on the increase in imports, the chief executive of one of Vietnam's largest pepper exporters acknowledged that the company has become one of Brazil's major pepper buyers.
The company imports pepper from Brazil before exporting it to major markets including the United States, Germany and the Middle East. The strategy helps reduce dependence on domestic supplies while maintaining its position as a leading global exporter.
In Vietnam's domestic market, farmgate pepper prices currently range from VND137,000 to VND140,500 per kilogram (US$5.23–5.37/kg).
On the international market, Vietnamese 500 g/l and 550 g/l export-grade black pepper is being offered at US$5,970 per tonne and US$6,050 per tonne, respectively.
Tam An
