Vietnam is the world's largest pepper producer, supplying nearly half of the global market.

Vietnam's dominance in the global pepper market is a result of strategic agricultural expansion that began in the late 1990s. According to the International Pepper Community (IPC) and the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), the country consistently produces between 200,000 and 240,000 metric tons of pepper annually. This output represents approximately 40% to 45% of the total global supply, making Vietnam the undisputed leader ahead of competitors like Brazil and Indonesia.The primary growing regions are located in the Central Highlands and the Southeast, including provinces like Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Binh Phuoc. These areas feature fertile basalt soil and a tropical monsoon climate with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. These conditions are ideal for the Piper nigrum vine, which requires high humidity and well-drained soil to produce high-quality peppercorns.In 2023 alone, Vietnam exported pepper to over 100 countries, with the United States, China, and the European Union being the top importers. The industry supports the livelihoods of nearly 200,000 smallholder farming households across the country. Technological advancements in processing and a shift toward organic certification have helped Vietnam maintain its competitive edge in the international spice trade.