Chilli exports to China surged, accounting for 88% of total exports

DNHN - As of the end of March, Vietnam exported a total of 3,141 tonnes of chillies, with a total turnover of 8.1 million USD, an increase of 17.6% in volume and 52.8% in value compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam’s chilli exports recorded a sharp increase in March, according to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA). During the month, chilli exports reached 1,523 tonnes, worth 4.2 million USD, an increase of 72.3% compared to the previous month. Of which, China was the main import market with 1,339 tonnes, accounting for nearly 88% of the output, while Laos imported 106 tonnes, accounting for 7%.

From the beginning of the year to the end of March, Vietnam exported a total of 3,141 tonnes of chillies, with a total turnover of 8.1 million USD, an increase of 17.6% in volume and 52.8% in value compared to the same period last year. The average export price reached 2,610 USD/tonne, an increase of 28% compared to the same period last year. China and Laos continued to be the two main markets with 2,753 tonnes and 259 tonnes, respectively, accounting for nearly 96% of total exports.

Before the Lunar New Year of 2024, the price of chillies in the garden increased sharply, ranging from 38,000 to 40,000 VND/kg. Export-grade chillies cost 60,000-65,000 VND/kg, grade 2 costs 58,000-60,000 VND/kg, and market chillies cost 55,000-58,000 VND/kg, double that of the same period in 2023. The reason is that the demand for chillies in markets such as China and South Korea has increased, causing demand to exceed supply and pushing up prices. With this price, people can earn from 200 - 300 million VND/ha (excluding costs).

According to the Department of Cultivation (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), the Mekong Delta region is the “capital” of chillies in Vietnam, with a total area of over 7,000ha and an output of about 100,000 tonnes per year. In the Central Highlands, the planting area reaches about 4,000-5,000ha with an output of about 60,000 tonnes per year. Lang Son is also one of the key chilli growing areas in Vietnam with an area of over 1,479ha in 2023.

Globally, Asia is the largest chilli-producing region, accounting for about 80% of global production. The global chilli trade is worth about 35 billion USD per year, not less than staple consumer goods such as coffee or tea.

P.V