Global Spices Market Update: August 2026 Insights on Black Pepper, Cassia & Star Anise

August has been a pivotal month for global spices, with prices and trade flows shaped by tight farmer selling, evolving crop expectations, and cautious buying from major importing regions.

As importers and processors carefully manage stocks while monitoring quality and replacement costs, PTEXIM CORP provides this comprehensive market update to support your purchasing and sourcing decisions.

1. Black Pepper Market Dynamics: Steady Prices Amidst Supply Shifts

Global pepper prices remain influenced by cautious buying and limited farmer selling.

• Pricing Trends: Vietnam’s domestic black pepper market held largely steady, closing the week at 139,500 VND/kg (+0.72% weekly gain). However, this represents an 8.2% decrease from January 1, 2026. The average export price for the first eight months stood at US$6,372/tonne for black pepper and US$8,386/tonne for white pepper.

• Export Performance: Vietnam witnessed a strong recovery in the first eight months, with exports reaching 190,153 tonnes (up 14.2% year-on-year), generating US$1.2 billion in revenue. August volumes reached 21,724 tonnes, which is a 4.5% decline from July but still a 1.2% increase compared to August 2025.

• Key Markets: The US remains the largest single market, importing 44,349 tonnes year-to-date. Meanwhile, China accounted for a sharp 54.3% year-on-year increase, importing 20,495 tonnes.

• Supply & Crop Outlook: The 2026 crop experienced reduced yields and low carryover inventories. Looking ahead, the next 90 days are critical for the 2027 bloom, with weather conditions in the Central Highlands requiring close monitoring. Furthermore, strong income from durian sales has provided farmers with a cash buffer, leading to selective pepper selling rather than full hoarding.

• Import Dynamics: Vietnam's imports surged 36.1% in the first eight months to 47,002 tonnes, with supply sharply concentrating on Cambodia (representing 57.4% of total imports).

2. Cassia (Cinnamon) Highlights: Strong Growth in The Americas

• Export Volumes: In August 2026, Vietnam exported 10,348 tonnes of Cassia, marking a 12% increase year-on-year. The eight-month total reached 83,433 tonnes (up 0.5% year-on-year) generating US$213.9 million.

• Market Shifts: While Asia remained the largest market, demand shifted significantly towards the Americas, which saw a 35.1% growth year-on-year driven heavily by US imports.

• Premium Quality Guarantee: PTEXIM is proud to offer Cassia products strictly complying with US and EU standards, ensuring Lead content at 1ppm to 2ppm, and Coumarin thresholds at 2000ppm or 3000ppm.

3. Star Anise Overview: Emerging Opportunities

• Export Performance: Star Anise exports in August reached 1,171 tonnes, a strong 20.5% increase year-on-year. However, the eight-month total of 9,605 tonnes represents a 6.3% decrease compared to 2025, primarily due to softer demand in India.

• Market Diversification: Despite the Asian slowdown, exports to the Americas grew by 30.3%, highlighting the US as an increasingly important market that helps diversify Vietnam's export base.

4. Shipping & Logistics Update

Global container freight rates remained stable for the second consecutive week. However, with ongoing Hormuz tensions, Asian port congestion, and blank sailings, early booking is highly recommended to secure your shipments.

Partner with PTEXIM CORP for Premium Spices

At PTEXIM CORP, we are committed to delivering premium, globally compliant spices including Black Pepper, Cassia, Star Anise, Ginger, and Turmeric. Share your exact specifications and shipment window with us, and our team will prepare a tailored, competitive quotation.

Contact Us Today:

🏢 PHÚC THỊNH EXPORT IMPORT INVESTMENT CORPORATION (PTEXIM CORP)

👤 Mr. Hien, Nguyen Vu – General Director

📧 Email: spices@ptexim.com.vn

📍 Address: 43 Street 17, Quarter 5, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Pepper_Cassia_Star Anise_Ginger_Other Spices Market Update - August - Week 37 - 2026