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The shipments were worth a combined US$789.2 million, a 13.9% year-on-year surge, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association.

The U.S. was the top market and the biggest growth driver, accounting for nearly 30,000 tonnes or 24.5% of exports, up 30.2% from a year earlier. China followed with 14,636 tonnes, a 145.4% rise.

Thailand’s imports jumped 133.8% to 5,376 tonnes while India’s purchases tumbled 33.3%.

Asia was the largest consuming region, importing 56,570 tonnes or 46% of the total, up 24% year-on-year.

Exports to Europe rose 5.1% to 25,176 tonnes, with shipments to the Netherlands surging 51.6% while those to Germany fell 30.7%.

The growth in exports was driven by robust shipments in the first quarter and early in the second quarter and improved demand from major markets against a backdrop of tight global supply.

In May, however, pepper export volume fell 18.9% from April and 4.8% year-on-year to 25,180 tonnes worth $166.2 million. Exports to the U.S. dropped more than 19% month-on-month while China’s imports slumped 66.8% in May.

On the import side, Vietnam bought 38,086 tonnes of pepper valued at $217.8 million, up 69% year-on-year in volume and 60% in value.

Cambodia was the dominant supplier, providing 54.6% of imports, followed by Brazil with a 29.1% share.

Cinnamon exports also increased. Vietnam shipped out 48,686 tonnes worth $124.3 million of the spice in the first five months, up 2% in volume and 1% in value from a year earlier. Asia accounted for 67.8% of shipments while the Americas made up 22.4%.