Pepper market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the pepper market in ASEAN experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 270 thousand tons in 2018, it fell sharply to 114 thousand tons in 2019 and further to 90.3 thousand tons in 2020. A recovery followed over the next two years, with the market reaching 159.1 thousand tons in 2022, before declining to 125.3 thousand tons in 2023.

The market dynamics were influenced by the pivotal role of Vietnam as a major regional producer and exporter, where shifts in export volumes directly affected domestic supply. Concurrently, underlying demand was supported by growing consumer preference for organic and natural food products and the rising popularity of ethnic cuisines across the Asia Pacific region.

Production pepper in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pepper, 2017-2020

World map of production of pepper, 2017-2020

ASEAN's pepper production saw growth for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 392.7 thousand tons. However, in 2020, it fell to 383.8 thousand tons, marking a 2.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The most significant annual increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports pepper from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

Pepper exports from ASEAN experienced notable fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 140.9 thousand tons, representing a substantial 45.9% decline from the previous year. The following year, 2019, saw a dramatic recovery with exports surging by 116.9%. By 2020, exports reached 317.7 thousand tons, which was 4.0% higher than in 2019. Overall, exports varied significantly, with a 2.3-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

An analysis of ASEAN's pepper exports in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diverse market distribution. The United States accounted for 17.1% of exports, China for 14.4%, and India for 7.8%. Together, these three markets represented 39.4% of total export flows, while the remaining 60.6% was distributed among numerous other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's pepper exports in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 846 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 3.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, exports contracted by 42.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Looking at ASEAN's pepper exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020, the market structure was broadly distributed. The United States held an 18.5% share, China 11.3%, and India 7.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 37.4% of total export value, with the remaining 62.6% coming from various other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020

Imports pepper to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

ASEAN's pepper imports in volume terms showed considerable variation. In 2017, imports were at their lowest point, then increased sharply by 96.4% in 2018. They peaked in 2019 at 26.8 thousand tons before declining to 24.2 thousand tons in 2020, a 9.7% drop from the previous year. Overall, imports changed by 2.6 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, India, and China were the primary suppliers of pepper to ASEAN in volume terms. Brazil accounted for 17.5% of imports, India for 2.3%, and China for 1.5%. Together, these three countries made up 21.3% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, ASEAN's pepper imports in value terms rebounded in 2020. Imports reached 152 million US dollars, showing a solid 21.1% year-over-year increase. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 126 million US dollars, following a 22.2% decline in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Brazil, India, and China remained the leading sources of ASEAN's pepper imports in value terms. Brazil contributed 17.1% of import value, India 3.0%, and China 1.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 21.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020