Pepper market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

Brazilian pepper production increased from 101.6 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 129.2 thousand tons in 2022, before a slight decline to 126.5 thousand tons in 2023. The domestic market volume initially contracted to 25.0 thousand tons in 2019 as exports grew rapidly, but then expanded sharply to 46.7 thousand tons by 2023. This turnaround was primarily driven by rising domestic consumption, particularly among Generation Z and high-end gastronomy, which diversified product segments and boosted local demand from 2022 onward.

Export volumes rose from 72.6 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 92.1 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was fueled by reduced pepper production in Vietnam, which opened global market space, and by targeted promotion in Arab markets through initiatives by ApexBrasil. The COVID-19 pandemic further benefited Brazilian exports by causing supply shocks among competitors. After 2021, export volumes moderated as more production was absorbed domestically, but international prices appreciated significantly, with the average price rising from $4.32/kg to $6.16/kg between 2024 and 2025.

Throughout the period, the state of Espírito Santo consolidated its leadership, accounting for 60% to 69% of national production and exports. Continuous investments in technical assistance, innovation, and sustainability strengthened the supply chain. New players, including small producers and agro-industries, entered the market, supported by associations and government promotion, enabling Brazil to maintain its position as the world's second-largest pepper supplier and expand its presence to 59 countries.

Production pepper in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

On a global scale, Brazil ranked as the world's third-largest pepper producer during the 2018-2021 period.

Top producers of pepper, 2018-2021

World map of production of pepper, 2018-2021

Brazil's pepper production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 118.1 thousand tons of pepper, representing a modest 2.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 16.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports pepper from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

Brazil's pepper exports increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 92 065 tons, marking a 2.6% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 26.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil's pepper exports in volume terms were not heavily concentrated. Germany accounted for 15.8% of exports, Vietnam for 12.9%, and the United States for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 41.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Brazil's pepper exports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 306.3 million US dollars, showing a significant 65.3% uptick from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 57.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 179.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Brazil's pepper exports in value terms were spread across many countries. Germany accounted for 16.2% of exports, the United States for 12.4%, and Vietnam for 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 40.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports pepper to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Brazil's pepper imports increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 189 tons, showing a substantial 25.0% gain compared to 2020. However, between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 28.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 10.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 151 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 34.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Vietnam, China, and India were the largest contributors to Brazil's pepper imports in volume terms. Vietnam accounted for 35.1% of imports, China for 24.7%, and India for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 73.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Brazil's pepper imports in value terms increased. In 2021, imports reached 1.0 million US dollars, marking a 32.0% rise compared to 2020. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 19.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 0.8 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 23.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Vietnam, China, and Spain remained the principal suppliers of pepper to Brazil in value terms. Vietnam accounted for 40.2% of imports, China for 9.8%, and Spain for 7.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 56.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021