The domestic pepper market in Vietnam has seen a significant drop in prices, with the average now at 156,400 VND/kg, the highest in several provinces. This follows a period of sharp increases due to speculation and limited global supply. International prices for Indonesian, Brazilian, and Malaysian peppers remain stable. The Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) notes that while exports to China have increased, demand remains low due to existing inventory. The VPSA also cautions that speculation among growers and agents could lead to the release of reserve peppers, potentially impacting market stability. Despite these challenges, the pepper industry is on track to reach 1 billion USD in export turnover this year.