Pepper exports record burgeoning growth

Peppercorn haversting. Photo: VNA

Vietnam’s pepper export revenue in 2015 is set to exceed the target of 1.1 billion USD given that in the first seven months of the year, pepper shipments to foreign markets saw stellar performance with 98,000 tonnes worth 920 million USD, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) reveal that Vietnam has 70,000 hectares of pepper land with 144,000 tonnes in peppercorn output.

Last year, 156,396 tonnes of peppercorn were sent to foreign markets, earning the country 1.21 billion USD, representing a 16.38 percent increase in volume and 34.72 percent in value – the highest figures recorded so far both in volume and value.

Currently, Vietnam holds a 58 percent share of the world market, selling peppercorns to 100 countries and territories worldwide with Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the US as the largest buyers. Meanwhile, the fastest export growth rates were seen in Germany (41.5 percent), Thailand (38.8 percent) and the UAE (34.7 percent).

The Vietnam Pepper Association said Vietnamese pepper exports are expected to remain stable at high levels this year.

However, Ha Huy Thang, General Director of Petrolimex International Trading Joint Stock Company, said that the EU warned of high levels of pesticide remnant in Vietnamese black pepper in 2013 and many shipments were returned from the EU in 2014.

He suggested that the Government and MARD implement macro policies such as zoning off land for pepper plantation, introduce cultivating techniques in compliance with VietGap standards, control pesticide portfolios and set strict guidelines to prevent illicit pesticides.-VNA