HCM City,, Feb. 6 -- Vietnam's pepper industry is set for an eventful year in 2025 as global production continues to decline while demand from key markets fluctuates, creating both challenges and opportunities for exporters. According to Hoang Thi Lien, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, global pepper output is expected to fall for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. The decline reflects a shift away from pepper cultivation, as farmers opt for more profitable crops such as durian, coffee, and oil palm. Additionally, climate change and extreme weather conditions have negatively impacted yields, increasing production costs. China, a major importer of Vietnamese pepper, has significantly reduced its purchases, instead i...