Ho Chi Minh City, June 8 -- Vietnam's pepper exports brought home 789.2 million USD from 122,600 tons shipped in January through May, a 21.7% surge in volume and a 13.9% increase in value from a year earlier, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association. May shipments, however, totaled 25,180 tonnes worth 166.2 million USD, down 18.9% by volume and 13.9% by value from April, and 4.8% lower in volume from a year earlier. Major exporters reported declining shipments, underscoring a sector-wide pullback. Exports to the US, the largest buyer, fell more than 19% from April but still accounted for over 23% of total shipments. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) held second place with steady demand. China's imports slumped 66.8% to just 1,51...