U.S. Black Pepper Imports in June and the First 6 Months of 2026: The Dominant Position of Vietnamese Pepper

Summary: U.S. black pepper imports reached 47,563 metric tons in the first six months of 2026, generating $359.7 million in turnover. Despite a slight slowdown in June, the market maintained positive growth momentum, with Vietnam strengthening its dominant position and accounting for 80.4% of total U.S. pepper imports.

1. Overview of the U.S. Pepper Import Market in June 2026

In June 2026, the United States imported a total of 7,538 metric tons of pepper, with a turnover reaching $56.1 million. These figures recorded a modest contraction:

A decrease of 19.9% in volume and 21.7% in value compared to May 2026.

A decrease of 17.9% in volume compared to June 2025.

Despite the overall monthly dip in import volume, Vietnamese pepper continued to assert its undisputed dominance, supplying 6,273 metric tons and accounting for 83.2% of the total U.S. import volume. Even amidst the broader downward trend for the month (down 20.9% compared to May 2026 and 14.9% year-on-year), Vietnam’s market share remained virtually absolute.

Meanwhile, other major supply origins showed mixed fluctuations:

India: Reached 652 tons (up 7.2% month-on-month, up 6.4% year-on-year).

Indonesia: Reached 332 tons (surging 82.4% month-on-month, but down 43.9% year-on-year).

Brazil: Plummeted to just 83 tons (down 82.1% month-on-month and 74.5% year-on-year).

2. Cumulative First 6 Months of 2026: Impressive Growth Driven by Vietnamese Pepper

For the first six months of 2026, total U.S. pepper imports reached 47,563 metric tons, generating $359.7 million in turnover—an increase of 4.7% in volume and 4.8% in value compared to the same period in 2025.

The standout performer was Vietnam:

Massive Export Volume: Vietnam exported 38,221 metric tons of pepper to the U.S. during the H1 period, achieving robust growth of 24.4% year-on-year.

Dominant Market Share: Expanded its controlled market share to 80.4% of total U.S. pepper imports.

In contrast, competing supply sources generally experienced significant declines or stagnations:

India: Reached 3,565 tons (down 19.4%, accounting for a 7.5% market share).

Indonesia: Reached 2,410 tons (dropping sharply by 63.3%, with market share shrinking to 5.1%).

Brazil: Reached 2,050 tons (virtually flat with a slight 0.1% increase, holding a 4.3% market share).

These figures demonstrate that Vietnam’s 24.4% growth rate far outpaced the overall market growth of 4.7%. This reaffirms that the quality, consistency, and reliability of Vietnamese spices remain the top priority for U.S. importers and major F&B corporations.

3. Opportunities for Exporters and B2B Partners

The supply contraction from origins like Brazil and Indonesia creates a substantial supply gap in key consumer markets. With stringent supply chain controls from raw material zones to processing standards meeting international benchmarks (HACCP, ISO), VietLinh Agrimex stands ready to supply top-tier black and white pepper (FAQ/Cleaned grades) to meet the rigorous demands of buyers in the US, EU, and Asian markets.

Looking for a reliable, large-scale export pepper supplier?
Contact the VietLinh Agrimex team today to get the latest FOB/CIF Export Quotation, detailed product specifications (COA), and special container volume incentives for the new crop season!