CaliToday (15/11/2025): Vietnam's crucial agricultural markets presented a divided picture this morning, as farmers in the Central Highlands the nation's agricultural heartland grapple with diverging price trends for two of their main cash crops.
Domestic Robusta coffee prices have continued their bearish slide, falling by approximately 500 VND per kilogram. In stark contrast, the black pepper market is showing welcome signs of a bullish recovery, providing a much-needed boost for growers.
Coffee Slide Continues Amid Harvest Pressure
The mood among coffee farmers is one of caution as domestic prices fell for the third consecutive session.
In the key provinces of Dak Lak and Lam Dong, local traders are now quoting prices in the range of 84,500 to 85,300 VND/kg (approximately $3.50/kg). This 500 VND drop is being directly attributed to:
Peak Harvest Season: The main 2025/2026 Robusta harvest is now in full swing across the region. The steady influx of new, freshly picked coffee cherries is increasing the available supply, naturally putting downward pressure on prices as purchasing agents have more options.
Global Market Cues: The local price dip also mirrors a softening trend on the London Robusta futures market (LRCc2), which settled lower yesterday. Global buyers are factoring in a potentially large crop from Vietnam, the world's number one Robusta producer.
Farmer Strategy: Many farming households are reportedly "holding back" their newly harvested beans. They are choosing to sun-dry and store their stock rather than sell at current low prices, gambling on a market rebound in the coming months once the initial harvest rush subsides.
Pepper Rebounds on Tight Supply and New Demand
In the opposite corner of the market, pepper farmers are breathing a sigh of relief. After a period of stagnation, domestic black pepper prices have mounted a notable recovery, jumping by 1,000 - 1,500 VND/kg in several districts.
This upward momentum is reportedly being driven by:
Depleted Inventories: Vietnam's main pepper harvest concluded months ago (typically February-April). As a result, domestic stocks and farmer inventories are significantly tighter than they were mid-year.
Renewed International Interest: Market analysts note a fresh wave of inquiries and new orders from buyers in the European Union and the United States. These importers are looking to secure shipments to restock their own inventories ahead of the busy year-end holiday and culinary season.
Price Point: High-quality black pepper in provinces like Gia Lai and Binh Phuoc is now being quoted at or above the 121,000 VND/kg mark (approximately $5.00/kg), encouraging farmers who had been holding their stock to begin selling.
This "two-speed" market highlights the complex, supply-driven dynamics facing Vietnamese agriculture as the year draws to a close. While coffee farmers are bracing for a period of low prices due to abundant new supply, pepper growers are finally seeing a reward for holding their inventory as global demand returns to a tightening market.