HANOI – Vietnam secured its position as the second-largest pepper supplier to Taiwan in 2024, exporting 985.71 tonnes worth US$6.1 million, representing 33% of Taiwan's total pepper imports, according to the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA).

While Taiwan's overall pepper imports reached 2,862 tonnes valued at $18.4 million, reflecting an 11.3% decrease in volume but an 18.88% increase in value year-on-year, Vietnam's exports to Taiwan experienced a 23.7% drop in volume but a 27.3% rise in value compared to 2023. Despite this, Vietnam still held a significant 34.4% share of Taiwan's total pepper import volume and 33.1% of its import value.

Indonesia led as Taiwan’s top pepper supplier, followed by Malaysia, China, and Cambodia.

Recent concerns over Sudan dye contamination have prompted Taiwan to implement stricter measures, including 100% inspections of imported pepper and the temporary suspension of import clearances from a Vietnamese spice company. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is also in discussions with Vietnamese authorities to conduct on-site inspections of Vietnamese black pepper exporters.

Despite these challenges, Vietnam's pepper industry remains robust. According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), the country exported a total of 250,600 tonnes of pepper in 2024, comprising 220,269 tonnes of black pepper and 30,331 tonnes of white pepper, generating $1.3 billion in export value.