Despite pepper exports showing recent signs of recovery, experts have advised local pepper businesses to be proactive in co-operating with international partners in an effort to expand consumption markets and increase their product quality.

Black pepper accounts for up to 90% of Vietnam's total pepper exports

According to the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority (Agrotrade), Vietnam exported 18,000 tonnes of peppers worth US$45 million in September, representing increases of 20.4% in volume and 22.2% in value in comparison to September 2019.

Overall in nine months, local businesses shipped 220,000 tonnes of pepper worth US$489 million abroad, down 5.9% in volume and 17.6% in value from the same period last year.

Although black pepper exports to markets such as China and India endured a sharp drop, exports to the Russian market enjoyed an upward trajectory.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade quoted the Federal Customs Service of Russia as saying Russia purchased 4,660 tonnes of pepper valued at US$11.47 million during the initial seven months of the year, up 28.4% in volume and 24.5% in value. As a result, its pepper imports from Vietnam made up 75.6% of its market share, an increase of 8% from the previous year.

Vietnamese pepper exports are projected to record positive signs following the recovery of several major importers such as the United States and India.  

Additionally, the enforcement of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is anticipated to present a wealth of opportunities for the Vietnamese pepper industry within the EU market as the price of for-export pepper is expected to rise on global trends.

As the world’s largest pepper grower, Vietnamese black and white pepper exports account for 90% and 10% of its total exports, respectively.

A number of domestic enterprises have moved to establish high-tech processing factories in line with international standards, with some processed pepper products making their presence felt in several demanding markets globally.