Leverage of FTA: The 'passport' clearly—far-reaching momentum for pepper and spices

Despite market fluctuations, the Vietnamese pepper industry maintains an impressive growth trajectory in value, affirming its position on the global trade map. It is precisely the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with a clear "passport" of origin that serve as the leverage, enabling Vietnamese pepper and spices to continue establishing and shining in the highly competitive conditions.

Source: nongthonviet.com.vn On May 11, 2025, the total export turnover of pepper reached 1.515 billion USD, an increase of 24.4% (equivalent to 297.6 million USD) compared to the same period in 2024, despite a 4.4% decrease in export volume. The average export price of black pepper reached 6,618 USD/ton and white pepper reached 8,636 USD/ton, a significant increase from the previous year. Major export businesses, including Olam Vietnam, Nedspice Vietnam, Phúc Sinh, Simexco Đắk Lắk, and Haprosimex JSC, continued to expand their markets in the United States, UAE, China, India, and Germany. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are Vietnam's enormous competitive advantage. However, to enjoy tariff preferences, the Rules of Origin of Goods (ROO) are the prerequisite. The clearest evidence is the EVFTA Agreement (Vietnam - EU). Without Vietnamese origin certification, exported pepper must bear a tax of 4% - 12.5%. With a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O), the tax rate drops to 0%. This ...