Friday, November 29, 2024 6:46:41 AM - Markets closed
VN-INDEX 1,242.11 +0.14/+0.01%
HNX-INDEX 223.57 +0.48/+0.21%
UPCOM-INDEX 92.35 +0.39/+0.42%
Smuggled sugar and imported corn syrup threaten domestic sugar industry
vietnamnews - 8/20/2024 4:29:44 PM
 (0 ratings. You must sign in to rate.)
According to VSSA, the total sugar supply reached nearly 1.34 million tonnes in the past seven months, higher than 1.3 million for the whole year of 2023.
 
 
Sugar bags are loaded at a factory in Cao Bằng Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Chu Hiệu
 
Smuggled sugar and cheap high-fructose corn syrup have dominated the domestic market. That has been causing difficulties for local sugar factories and affecting the income of farmers, according to the Vietnam Sugarcane and Sugar Association (VSSA).
 
Provincial market management agencies said that the smuggling of sugar into Việt Nam is continuing, with violations reported in June and July.
 
On June 28, a man was caught in the southern province of Long An with about 3.5 tonnes of smuggled sugar.
 
Later on July 31, a household business in Đồng Nai Province's Biên Hoà City was found to have 60 bags of smuggled sugar. The sugar was packed in 50-kilogram bags worth VNĐ59.4 million.
 
Similarly, 40 bags of refined sugar weighing two tonnes were detected at a facility in HCM City. At the time of inspection, its owner could not present invoices or documents proving the origin of the goods, or any documents related to product quality.
 
Meanwhile, over the past seven months, Việt Nam imported over 143,500 tonnes of high-fructose corn syrup compared to 139,800 tonnes seen in the last year's corresponding period, the association said, quoting data from the General Department of Customs.
 
According to VSSA, the total sugar supply reached nearly 1.34 million tonnes in the past seven months, higher than 1.3 million for the whole year of 2023, when the oversupply was also recorded.
 
By the end of July, about 60 per cent of the sugar produced in the 2023-24 crop was stockpiled at the warehouses of sugar factories, the association said.
 
It also forecast that the abundant sugar supply from direct official imports of sugar from ASEAN countries, fraudulent sugar smuggled across the southwest border and the poor purchasing demand, would lead to an oversupply in the local market, causing sugar factories to have to stockpile in the remaining months of this year.
 
Over the longer term, the association said there would be a risk of market disruption should the surplus prevail, which would likely force domestic producers to cut prices, even lower than production costs, in order to compete or to reduce prices they pay sugarcane farmers.
 
Industry experts said imported sugar often had the upper hand due to lower prices.
 
A merchant at Tân Hiệp Market in Biên Hòa City, said her customers often preferred imported sugar while buying in large quantities.
 
While being sold at a higher price point, there was not much of a difference in quality between imported and domestic brands. This pushed most consumers who required large quantities to go for imported sugar.
 
Industry experts have long voiced their concern over a lack of strong domestic brands, as well as an inadequate distribution network to reach consumers.
 
Some domestic producers, however, had taken the initiative to build their network by collaborating with major retailers and e-commerce platforms.
 
A representative from a sugar firm said his firm had started expanding sales on popular e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, Tiki, Sendo and Shoppee in recent years.
 
He said Vietnamese consumers still had a preference for domestic sugar, but it was crucial for producers to introduce new lines and bring down prices to be able to compete against imported sugar.— VNS
 
 
Read original article here
 
Newer News
28/11 Rice export hits a fresh record of $5 billion
28/11 Wood exports poised to exceed target despite market challenges
28/11 VN to embrace a new internet era: VIA
28/11 VCCI proposes extending VAT reduction for first half of 2025
28/11 Cinnamon industry seeks to take advantage of trade deal to expand exports to the UK
28/11 Innovative Vietnamese start-ups must draw resources from international and domestic corporations: PM
27/11 Da Nang strives to early pilot free trade zone model
27/11 Vietnam's pepper exports surpass $1 billion In first 10 months
27/11 Excise tax increase on alcohol may reduce GDP: experts warn
27/11 Binh Duong speeds up public investment disbursement to boost growth
Older News
20/08 Argentina is leading corn import market for Vietnam
20/08 India initiates anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese hot-rolled coil steel
20/08 Sea freight rates cool, port volumes break records
20/08 Crocodile meat, frozen durian and fresh coconuts cleared for export to China
20/08 Smart checkpoints to be piloted at Vietnam-China border gate pair
20/08 China leads in number of FDI projects in Việt Nam in seven months
19/08 International Travel Expo HCM City could become Asia’s most influential
19/08 Tra Vinh announces list of 46 projects calling for investment
19/08 Mekong Delta master plan contributes to ensuring food security
19/08 HCMC food producers need to go green: experts
 
Newsletter Signup
Top Stories
VCCI recommends mineral mining rights be granted through auction and bidding
Central bank works to raise interbank rates and ease forex market
Inflation a concern following salary increases
National Council for Sustainable Development established
Việt Nam, Cambodia look forward to $20 billion trade
Market Update
Last updated at 3:05:00 PM
VN-INDEX 1,242.11 +0.14/+0.01%
Real-time chart
Top 5 Actives
Top 5 Gainers
Top 5 Losers
My Favorite Quotes
Company Research
Type in the symbol above for thorough background information, key statistics and financial information.
Stock Sectors
We continuously improve our services, here are the latest updates...
Portfolio
Allow you to monitor a customised group of securities. You can set up multiple Portfolios to help you better manage your investments.
Trigger Alerts
Get up-to-date alerts delivered directly to your email address.
Stock Screener
Allow you to filter the market and find exactly what sort of company you are looking for.
Live Terminal
Get instant access to FREE REAL-TIME streaming quotes for hundreds of stocks from HOSE, HNX and UPCOM exchanges.