Pangasius stocks increased “to the ceiling”—a positive signal at the beginning of the year

On the afternoon of February 26, 2024, most stock trading codes of pangasius exporting enterprises increased to the ceiling (purple code, up 7% of frame rate), and at the end of the session, they adjusted to decrease slightly (+6.9–6.95%). The group of seafood stocks on the afternoon of February 26, 2024, became the focus of the market when a series of stocks increased at full amplitude, such as VHC, ANV, and ASM, and a series of other stocks also increased very well. This good news is considered a positive signal after Vietnam’s pangasius export turnover to markets recorded record positive growth over the same period.

In January 2024, pangasius recorded strongest export growth among seafood sectors, up 97% over the same period in 2023. In particular, pangasius exports to China alone increased four times. Pangasius sales in China soared during the recent Lunar New Year holiday, a positive sign for this market. Before Tet, the general spending of Chinese consumers increased sharply, causing many pangasius importers to stockpile goods to ensure supply.

Besides, a new move by China also helps pangasius exports, which tend to be better in both price and volume because export enterprises focus more on official transactions. From February 1, 2024, goods imported through Dong Hung Port on the Vietnamese border faced a tax rate of 2.36%, according to China’s new policy. This move aims to eliminate the price advantage of black market pangasius compared to legally imported fish.

According to a Chinese industry publication, unofficial pangasius imports accounted for about 24% of total imports in 2023 and jumped to 37% in December. The Chinese seafood industry also has confidence that other ports in Guangxi province will also apply new pangasius tax rates, possibly after the Lunar New Year holiday held from February 10 to 17. These trade measures follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Vietnam.

Pangasius consumption in the US market is also showing positive signs because the average export price has bottomed out. In December 2023, the average price of pangasius exports to the US was about 2.42 USD. This is the lowest level seen in many years. In January 2024, the average price of pangasius exports to the US bottomed out and increased to 2.64 USD/kg.

The export price of Vietnamese pangasius to the EU also recovered and bottomed out in December 2023, reaching about 2.28 USD/kg and it continued to maintain this price until January 2024. The adjustment in price and export value of pangasius to the EU shows signs of both positive price and volume from this market.

Many pangasius businesses believe that the increase in pangasius stocks to the ceiling on the afternoon of February 26, 2024, is a positive signal in the first months of 2024. It is expected that, with optimistic numbers from export turnover, recovery, and growth in the average export price of Vietnamese pangasius to markets, this will bring positive results for the whole year 2024.

(Source: https://seafood.vasep.com.vn/)