Vietnam has earned more than $1bn from pepper exports in the first eight months of 2025, marking the strongest performance for the period since 2018.

Figures from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association show that revenues climbed 28% year-on-year according to Viet Nam News, even as export volumes fell by almost a tenth. The average price of black pepper rose to $6,666 per tonne, up more than 40%, while white pepper fetched $8,732 per tonne, nearly 38% higher the report said.

August shipments alone amounted to 21,464 tonnes, valued at $139.8mn. Compared with July, that represented modest growth in both volume and value, but gains were far sharper when set against last year.

The United States remained Vietnam’s top customer, accounting for just over a fifth of total sales, though volumes to the market were down by nearly a third. In contrast, exports to China surged 58%, with further growth recorded in the United Arab Emirates and India.

Imports have also increased sharply. Vietnam brought in more than 34,500 tonnes worth $215.3mn during the period, with Brazil supplying the largest share, followed by Cambodia and Indonesia.

Domestically, farm-gate prices climbed to as much as VND155,000 ($5.4) per kilogram in early September before easing slightly. The rise has been linked to reduced on-farm stocks and ongoing demand from exporters fulfilling contracts.