Hanoi, Vietnam – The Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) has issued a trade fraud warning after several member companies were targeted by a sophisticated scam, highlighting growing risks in the pepper export sector amid soaring global prices.
Pepper Shipments Seized Without Original Bill of Lading
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In May 2025, several VPSA member companies shipped black pepper to Mafipro SDN BHD, a customer based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, through a shipping agent in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
When the goods arrived at the Malaysian port, the cargo was fraudulently removed even though the exporters still held the original ocean bill of lading—meaning official customs procedures had not yet been completed.
VPSA representatives emphasized that the case is still under investigation and that specific details of the fraud scheme have not been disclosed.
Three Companies Already Affected
To date, three Vietnamese pepper exporters have been scammed in this way. The association urges all businesses to exercise extra caution when dealing with this Malaysian partner, especially if it is a first-time transaction.
Export Performance and Soaring Prices
According to preliminary data from Vietnam Customs, in September 2024, Vietnam exported 20,000 tonnes of pepper worth USD 125 million—a 10.4% increase in volume and an 84.9% surge in value compared to the same month a year earlier.
From January to September 2024, Vietnam exported 203,000 tonnes, earning over USD 1 billion. While export volume dipped 1.5% year-on-year, export value jumped 46.9% thanks to a 49.2% surge in average export prices, which reached USD 4,941 per tonne.
Record-High Export Prices
Notably, in September 2024, the average export price hit USD 6,239 per tonne—a 67.5% increase year-on-year, marking the highest level in many years.
The sharp rise in pepper prices has also increased the risk of trade fraud, making exporters even more vulnerable.