Vietnam’s chili exports up 20%, leading vegetable shipments
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s chili exports reached nearly US$$102 million in the first 11 months of 2025, up 20% from the same period last year, positioning the spicy item as the top performer in the country’s vegetable exports, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Overall, Vietnam’s vegetable exports totaled around US$380.9 million over the same period, marking a 13.9% increase year on year. While other vegetables showed varied growth, chili emerged as the clear leader in both volume and export value.
The bulk of Vietnamese chili shipments went to China, Laos, and the Republic of Korea, with a smaller share exported to the United States. High demand in China is fueled by the country’s limited domestic harvest cycles, while Vietnam produces chili year-round, allowing it to fill supply gaps.
“Chili is the most popular spice in the vegetable group and commands high economic value,” said Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association.
Vietnamese chili is especially favoured in China and the Republic of Korea for its distinctive heat and aroma, widely used in hot pot dishes and kimchi.
Other vegetable exports showed mixed results. Sweet potatoes hit US$32.5 million (+1.5%), ginger US$29.4 million (+30.2%), and garlic (+91.8%). Meanwhile, cauliflower exports declined 11.1% to US$16.4 million, and napa cabbage rose slightly 1% to US$14.8 million.
Vietnamese chili prices fluctuate according to seasonality, quality, and market demand. The spicy item is normally priced at VND45,000–65,000 per kg, but the prices spiked to VND120,000–150,000 per kg at the end of 2025 due to heightened export orders.
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