As the United States moves to impose new tariffs on multiple countries, leading Vietnamese exporters of coffee and pepper report that the impact on Vietnam’s shipments to the U.S. will be minimal—thanks to existing zero-tariff status for these key agricultural products.
Zero Tariffs on Vietnamese Coffee and Pepper
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On April 3, Phan Minh Thong, Chairman of Phuc Sinh Corporation, revealed that U.S. trading partners recently shared the latest version of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (5th revision, 2025).
“For all forms of coffee—roasted, unroasted, decaffeinated, or coffee substitutes containing coffee—the export duty remains ‘free,’ meaning 0%, and it is the same for pepper,” Thong confirmed.
As a major exporter of both commodities, he emphasized there is no immediate concern for Vietnamese coffee and pepper shipments to the United States.
Strong Growth in Other Key Markets
Thong added that exports to Europe, Germany, Japan, and the Middle East are also expanding strongly, supported by preferential trade tariffs and high demand for sustainably produced, value-added products.
To reduce risks from global trade policy changes, he recommended that Vietnamese companies diversify export markets and create new business opportunities.
Businesses Urged to Stay Flexible
“Global markets are volatile,” Thong noted. “Companies should adapt with flexible business plans, sometimes updating weekly or even daily, and stay alert to fluctuations in coffee and pepper prices, as well as shipping costs and geopolitical tensions.”
Logistics Perspective
Phan Dinh Quan, Director of EZ Shipping (Hanoi), reported that on April 3 his company successfully dispatched two containers of agricultural products to the United States.
“Customers were initially uncertain after the U.S. announced new tariffs,” Quan explained. “But customs clearance went smoothly and the shipment is already at sea. It will take about 30 days to reach the U.S., giving partners time to negotiate any potential tariff adjustments.”
Government View
A representative from the Southern Department of Agriculture and Environment acknowledged that the United States has imposed a 46% reciprocal tariff rate on Vietnam overall, which could affect some agricultural products.
However, the official stressed that each commodity is subject to different tariff rates, and for coffee and pepper the zero-tariff policy appears to remain intact, consistent with the continuous information exchange between Vietnamese exporters and U.S. partners.
Strategy for Vietnamese Agriculture
While negotiations continue, the official advised that Vietnam’s agricultural sector should:
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Improve productivity and quality,
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Reduce production costs to stay competitive, and
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Expand exports to additional markets to avoid over-reliance on the United States.