Vietnamese pepper exporters saw a sudden surge in US orders after President Donald Trump delayed the imposition of a 46 percent tariff, prompting firms like Phuc Sinh Group to run triple shifts to meet demand. Industry leaders say the 90-day window is a relief—but also a warning to prepare long-term strategies to withstand future shocks, VietnamNet is reporting.
Key points in the article include:
- Vietnam exported 230,000 tonnes of pepper in 2024, worth US$1.31 billion; the US accounted for 72,300 tonnes (US$409 million), or 31 percent.
- In Q1 2025, US imports of Vietnamese pepper reached 11,019 tonnes, worth US$83.4 million—25.7 percent of total turnover.
- The temporary suspension of tariffs on April 10 reversed the panic of April 9, when US partners froze or cancelled contracts.
- Phuc Sinh Group, Vietnam’s top pepper exporter to the US, reported an “avalanche” of orders overnight, forcing it to work around the clock.
- Export prices for black pepper now range from US$6,600–6,800/ton, and white pepper at US$9,600/ton; domestic prices have risen by VND 4,000–5,000/kg to VND 153,000–155,000/kg.
- Industry experts urge firms to develop risk strategies, strengthen domestic supply chains, and reduce overreliance on the US market.
- Calls were renewed for a Vietnamese commodity exchange to help diversify exports and build resilience in global trade flows.
- Interest rate disparity—US$ loans at 1 percent vs. VND loans at 9–10 percent—is seen as a disadvantage to domestic producers.
See also: Agriculture Industry in Vietnam