According to the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), Vietnam exported 1,935 tons of chili in April 2023. Revenue from Vietnam chili for export exceeded USD 4.7 million, up 27.1% in volume compared to March 2023. China accounted for 91% of Vietnam’s exports in April, equivalent to 1,765 tons, up 31.8% month-over-month.
By April 30, Vietnam exported 5,076 tons of chili, earning USD 12.7 million in total revenue. This represented an 18.5% increase in volume and a 46.8% increase in value. China and Laos were the largest buyers of Vietnamese chili, importing 4,518 tons and 340 tons respectively. These two markets made up 95.7% of Vietnam chili for export.
Vietnam chili has become a key export product, bringing millions of dollars in 2023. According to VPA, Vietnam exported chili worth USD 20 million in 2023, totaling 10,173 tons. This marked a 107% increase in volume compared to 2022. China and Laos were the largest markets, importing 8,600 tons and 1,100 tons, respectively. These two markets accounted for 85% and 10.9% of the export share.
Since March 2022, Vietnam’s fresh chili has been allowed to enter the Chinese market. Each shipment requires quarantine processing by Vietnam’s authorities or their authorized units. Phytosanitary certificates must include detailed parameters. Chili prices have improved significantly, providing stable profits for farmers.
Chili is known as a highly profitable crop for farmers in Vietnam. It requires minimal care and has a short harvest period. Farmers can harvest over 1 ton of chili per sao (360 square meters) each year. With current prices of VND 30,000–40,000 per kilogram, farmers earn VND 30–50 million annually.
Globally, major chili producers include India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. India is the world’s largest dried chili producer, holding 6.11% of global exports in 2021. Vietnam, China, and Indonesia follow as chili leading exporters. India also leads in chili production and consumption, producing 36% of global supply and exporting 30%.
According to the Department of Crop Production, chili grows widely in Dong Thap, An Giang, Tien Giang, Soc Trang, Vinh Long, and Tra Vinh. These provinces cover over 7,000 hectares and produce about 100,000 tons annually. The Central Highlands grow chili on 4,000–5,000 hectares, producing about 60,000 tons yearly. Lang Son is another key region, growing chili on 1,479 hectares, up 91 hectares from 2022.
Vietnamese sources: baocongthuong.vn