Vietnam: Pepper exports rise by over 18% in H1CY’26, supported by stronger US demand

• Vietnam continues to be world’s largest pepper exporter
• Black pepper accounts for over 66% of Vietnam’s exports

Vietnam’s pepper exports recorded strong growth during the first half of 2026, driven by higher shipments to key overseas markets despite an increasingly competitive global trade environment. The US continued to lead as the largest buyer of Vietnamese pepper, while black pepper remained the country’s dominant export product. Vietnam also maintained its position as the world’s largest pepper exporter, with growing opportunities emerging in value-added pepper products.

US continues to drive Vietnam’s pepper exports

Vietnam exported 146,000 tonnes (t) of pepper valued at $950.2 million during January-June 2026, up 18.5% in volume and 12.1% in value compared with the corresponding period last year.

The US remained Vietnam’s largest export market, importing 36,040 tonnes (t) of pepper worth approximately $260 million during the six-month period. The country accounted for 24.7% of Vietnam’s total pepper exports, with shipments to the US rising 24.5% in volume and 18.2% in value y-o-y, reflecting sustained demand from its largest overseas customer.

Black pepper dominates exports

Vietnam retained its position as the world’s largest pepper exporter, accounting for approximately 36.3% of the global pepper export market.

Black pepper continued to dominate the export basket, contributing more than 66.3% of Vietnam’s total pepper exports during the first half of 2026.

Outlook

Looking ahead, the global black pepper market is projected to approach $6 billion by 2028, presenting opportunities for Vietnam to diversify into higher-value products such as pepper essential oil, alongside its conventional pepper exports.

For the rest of this year, Vietnam’s pepper exports are expected to remain supported by steady demand from major importing markets, particularly the US. The country’s dominant global market share, coupled with rising opportunities in value-added pepper products, is likely to strengthen export prospects as the global black pepper market continues to expand.