The Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) reported a significant decrease in pepper exports in February 2021, with a nearly 42% drop in volume and over 23% decrease in value compared to the same period in 2020. Despite this, local purchasing prices for pepper have increased by 26%. The global pepper market is expected to see volatility due to overproduction and imbalance between supply and demand. Meanwhile, domestic pepper prices in Vietnam have surged, leading the VPA to warn farmers and exporters about the risks of signing long-term contracts and to advise them to negotiate delivery times or alternative markets to mitigate risks. The association also urged farmers to avoid expanding pepper planting areas and to consider sustainable cultivation practices to avoid the risks of significant price fluctuations, following the lessons learned from a similar situation in 2015.