Hoang Thi Lien, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, said, “In recent years, pepper has brought high economic efficiency to people, especially in the Central Highlands and Southeast regions.
Pepper cultivation creates jobs for many rural workers, contributing to poverty reduction and improving people's lives. Currently, the trend of consuming certified pepper products and organic pepper is increasing, so these products are purchased by businesses at 3% to 35% higher than market prices, helping farmers significantly increase their income".
Currently, Vietnamese pepper is continuing to hold the No. 1 position, accounting for 60% of the global export market share. In 2024, Vietnam exported 230,000 tonnes of pepper with a turnover of about 1.3 billion USD.
However, in recent years, Vietnam's pepper production has encountered many difficulties due to low prices and the impact of climate change, leading to a decrease in planting area.
In 2019, the pepper planting area reached 152,000 hectares, and in 2024, it decreased to 110,000 hectares. On the other hand, pests and diseases are widespread, especially the quick death disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora, for which there is still no specific treatment.
Cao Thi Ha of Buon Ma Thuot City (Dak Lak) said, “My family is growing 50,000 m2 of pepper. This year, the pepper plants' quick death and slow death diseases have affected the yield in the next crop. In previous years, my family harvested about two tonnes, but this year it has decreased to nearly one tonne, which has affected income.”
In addition, the use of pesticides in pepper cultivation is an issue that needs attention, especially since Vietnamese pepper is exported to international markets with very strict quality requirements. The abuse of chemical pesticides, as well as plant protection chemicals, can affect the quality of pepper.
According to the Chairwoman of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association Hoang Thi Lien: “Major markets such as the European Union (EU), the US, and Japan require strict testing for pesticide residues, so if these standards are not followed, Vietnamese pepper will have difficulty maintaining its market share and export value.
Along with that, geopolitical instability, such as trade wars and conflicts, also greatly affects our country's pepper exports. For example, in 2023, pepper exports to Europe and the US decreased due to the economic crisis in these markets, leading to a decline in the imports of unnecessary goods such as pepper.
By 2024, pepper exports to China will also face difficulties due to the impact of the trade war, people will tighten their spending, leading to a decrease in pepper exports to this market. In addition, these instabilities greatly increase transportation and insurance costs, directly affecting pepper export profits and causing difficulties for businesses."
To develop pepper plants sustainably, it is necessary to apply advanced cultivation techniques and use sustainable cultivation methods, such as intercropping, organic farming, using good, disease-free plant varieties to ensure pepper productivity and quality, and meeting the strict requirements of import markets.
Units and localities must support research and development of pepper varieties resistant to climate conditions and diseases.
In addition, relevant agencies need to continue to organise training for pepper growers on safe cultivation techniques, plant protection and disease management to reduce the use of chemicals and ensure product quality; strengthen international cooperation, connect customers, build sustainable partnerships with importers to stabilise output, while protecting farmers' interests and increasing the value of Vietnamese pepper in the international market.
It is necessary to promote advertising, communication and trade promotion activities to strengthen the image and brand of Vietnamese pepper and encourage businesses to research and invest in deep processing to increase value.
