According to statistics from the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA), Vietnam ranked as the second-largest supplier of pepper to Taiwan in 2024.
Overview of Taiwan’s Pepper Imports in 2024
In 2024, Taiwan imported more than 2,862 tons of whole and ground pepper (HS code 090411, English description: Neither crushed nor ground) from 17 global partners, with a total import value of USD 18.39 million.
Despite a 11.36% decrease in volume, the import value rose by 18.88% compared to 2023, showing a strong price recovery trend in the global pepper market.
(Phu Quoc black pepper promoted on Taiwan’s e-commerce platform Shopee.tw – Source: shopee.tw)
Top Pepper Suppliers to Taiwan
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Indonesia remained Taiwan’s largest pepper supplier in 2024, with 1,467.94 tons, worth USD 9.73 million, up 27.73% in volume and 56.3% in value year-on-year.
Indonesia accounted for 51.28% of Taiwan’s import volume and 52.93% of total import value. -
Vietnam ranked second, exporting 985.71 tons of pepper to Taiwan in 2024, valued at USD 6.09 million.
Although Vietnam’s export volume dropped by 23.69%, value increased by 27.29% compared to 2023, reflecting higher prices and improved product quality.
Vietnam’s share represented 34.43% of Taiwan’s total import volume and 33.12% of import value in 2024. -
Other major suppliers in the Top 5 included:
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Malaysia – 9.38% market share by volume
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China – 3.6% market share
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Cambodia – 1.06% market share
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Taiwan Strengthens Food Safety Inspections
Recently, Taiwan authorities have implemented 100% inspection of imported pepper samples after detecting certain consignments exceeding MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) for Sudan dye.
As a result, Taiwan has temporarily suspended import clearance applications from one Vietnamese exporter involved in 35 product categories under “spices” and “sauces.”
To enhance control at the source of imported food, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is currently in discussions with Vietnamese authorities regarding the dispatch of an inspection delegation to Vietnam this year to conduct on-site audits of Vietnamese black pepper exporters.