Vietnam continues to be the largest pepper supplier in the EU

According to data from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat), in the first four months of the year, the EU imported 18,474 tons of pepper from non-bloc markets worth 83.7 million EUR, up 22.9% in volume and 27% in value over the same period in 2023.

Vietnam continues to be the largest pepper supplier in the EU

In April alone, the amount of pepper imported into the EU reached its highest level since the beginning of 2023, with 5,440 tons, up 22.7% over the previous month and up nearly 40% over the same period. This is also the fourth consecutive month that pepper imports into the EU have increased compared to the same period last year.

In the first four months of the year, the EU imported a total of 11,359 tons of pepper from Vietnam worth more than EUR 48.5 million, up 25.1% in volume and 32.1% in value over the same period last year. With a volume of 11,359 tons, up 25.1% over the same period last year and accounting for 61.5% of the region's total imports of this item, Vietnam continued to be the largest pepper supplier to the EU in the first four months of the year.

EU pepper imports from other markets also increased sharply compared to the same period last year, such as: Brazil reached 3,443 tons, up 25.3%; Indonesia reached 1,384 tons, up 32.2%; India reached 952 tons, up 9.9%.

The average import price of pepper to the EU from Vietnam reached 4,273 EUR/ton, from Brazil it was 3,665 EUR/ton, from Indonesia it was 5,509 EUR/ton, and from India it was 6,646 USD/ton.

In addition to competitive prices, Vietnamese pepper exporting enterprises have an advantage over some exporting countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc. thanks to the EVFTA Agreement, which helps reduce import tax on ground or crushed pepper to the EU from 4% to 0%.

According to the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), Europe does not produce pepper, so the region's consumption depends mainly on imported supplies.

The agency also said that up to 95% of pepper imported into the EU is consumed in countries within the region and only 5% of it is re-exported to countries outside Europe.

Black pepper consumption in Europe is expected to grow steadily in the coming period, with an expected increase of about 0.5% in 2023 and 1.8% in 2024.

CBI forecasts that European pepper imports will grow by 1-2% per year. The European market offers a price advantage over Asian markets for high-quality, sustainably produced black pepper.

Recently, the EU market's requirements and regulations on non-tariff barriers continue to increase and become increasingly strict. This market also continuously warns about pesticide residues as well as increases the frequency of control and tightens MRLs regulations for food in general, including Vietnamese spices.

The Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) said that the EU is a potential market for Vietnamese pepper exports. However, to take advantage of these opportunities, the pepper industry must move towards sustainable production, as more and more European consumers are demanding certifications that ensure product sustainability. Source: https://congthuong.vn/viet-nam-tiep-tuc-la-nguon-cung-ho-tieu-lon-nhat-tai-eu-327797.html