Vietnam’s chili exports saw a sharp decline in the first two months of 2025, mainly due to the long Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday period. Experts predict that exports will recover soon as the country enters the main harvest season.
Export Performance in Early 2025
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According to preliminary data from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), in February 2025, Vietnam exported 220 tons of chili, worth USD 975,000.
Cumulatively, during January–February 2025, total chili exports reached 560 tons, valued at USD 1.9 million — down 65.4% in volume and 52.1% in value compared to the same period in 2024.
Main Export Markets
Laos remained Vietnam’s top chili export destination during the first two months of 2025, importing 286 tons, which accounted for 51.1% of Vietnam’s total chili export volume.
Chili: A Crop with Strong Economic Potential
Chili is considered a high-value crop well-suited to Vietnam’s farming conditions. It can be intercropped with various plants and requires relatively low cultivation and maintenance costs, making it a popular choice among farmers across the country.
Global Chili Production Overview
Worldwide, chili cultivation covers nearly 20 million hectares. Asia dominates production, accounting for about 80% of global chili output. Major chili-producing countries include India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Nigeria, and Mexico.
Among these, India ranks as the world’s largest producer and exporter of chili, followed by Vietnam, China, and Indonesia.
A USD 35 Billion Global Market
The global chili trade is valued at approximately USD 35 billion annually, placing it among the world’s most important consumer commodities — alongside coffee and tea.