Want to be in the loop?
subscribe to
our notification
Business News
FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS STOCKS ON THE RISE DESPITE PANDEMIC
Freight and logistics stocks have seen major gains since the beginning of 2020 even as the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy.
According to the General Statistics Office, the country's exports topped US$254 billion during the first 11 months of the year, making for an increase of 5.3 per cent over the previous year, while imports were estimated at $234.5 billion.
Increased trade activities coupled with a number of international trade deals which were recently signed or came into effects such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have significantly boosted investors' confidence in logistics stocks.
A number of stocks such as VSC, GMD, DVP, DXP, SFI and HAH have seen double-digit growth in recent months and some of them set all-time high records on the trading floor.
Experts, however, pointed out the recent rise in stock value did not necessarily come from better business performance but rather investors' optimism in the sector's future. For example, despite the increased trading value, Gemadept has reported a 32 per cent drop in profit in the first three quarters, Tân Cảng Logistic (TCL) a 15 per cent drop and Hải An Logistics a 9 per cent drop.
A container shortage, typically experienced by logistics firms during the end of the year when import/export activities are at the highest level, especially for an export-oriented economy such as Việt Nam, contributed to an increase in logistics costs.
A report from the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) showed more than 40 per cent of firms had difficulty finding containers for their cargo with up to 17 per cent unable to rent them. This has created a large backlog of cargo at port and storage facilities across the country, which generated additional revenue for logistics firms.
Meanwhile, freight charges have skyrocketed in recent months. According to Freightos, a Hong Kong-based shipping company, the freight charges for a 40-feet container from China to the US west coast has almost tripled to near $4,000.
Investors also seem to be betting on an increase in port charges as Việt Nam's current prices were comparatively low in the region. A statement from the VLA said the sector has set an objective to bring charges to 60-70 per cent of the region's price level by 2025, which they have planned to start bringing up at the beginning of next year.
Source: VNS
Related News
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT REFORM NEEDS FURTHER PROMOTION: EXPERT
Ministries, sectors and localities need to drastically improve the business environment, including improving the efficiency in implementing reform. That was the message from Nguyễn Thị Minh Thảo, head of the Business Environment and Competitiveness Research Department at the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM).
MINISTRY ASKS CARRIERS TO DEVELOP FLEET OPERATION PLAN TO MEET SUMMER TRAVEL DEMAND
In a document sent to the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam, the ministry said that the restructuring of some airlines’ fleet and flight networks, coupled with the recall of PW1100 engines by Pratt & Whitney for repair, have affected the load on both international and domestic flight routes, causing difficulties to passengers in terms of prices and schedules.
US AND VIETNAM BUILD MOMENTUM WITH UPGRADED TIES
In the six months since the historic upgrade of the US-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the United States and Vietnam have built on the momentum of our elevated relationship to advance bilateral cooperation across a range of areas.
LENDING SLOWDOWN THREATENS TO DELAY REAL ESTATE RECOVERY
Phan Duc Tu, chairman of BIDV’s Board of Directors, said, “Over the first 80 days of 2024, BIDV has disbursed loans totalling $18.95 billion to the economy. However, the figure is lower than its debt repayment of $19.55 billion. As of March 11, the bank’s outstanding balance contracted approximately 1 per cent compared with the end of 2023.”
PERFECT SPRINGTIME SIP AT LEGEND LOUNGE
Ho Chi Minh City, February 28, 2024 - The season of love dedicated to women has returned to the LOTTE HOTEL SAIGON, offering ladies impressive and sophisticated experiences. A highlight not to be missed at The Canvas seafood buffet restaurant is the masterpiece Lobster Ravioli. Visit Ottimo House to enjoy premium Italian cuisine prepared with Australian Wagyu beef. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Yoshino Japanese Cuisine Restaurant offers a 20% discount on sashimi. Discover the classy space and enjoy the new drinks available at Legend Lounge, including "Cherry Blossom Latte" and "Strawberry Afternoon Tea.". To end your self-love journey, Legend Healing Spa will be offering 20% off two special treatments.
VIETNAM RANKS IN TOP 5 FAVOURITE INVESTMENT DESTINATIONS AMONG ASIA’S EMERGING AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
The US' Milken Institute released the Global Opportunity Index (GOI) on March 5. The GOI remains a strong predictor of capital movements 10 years after its inception. The index alone explains 64.7 per cent of the variation in per capita foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and 51.7 per cent of per capita portfolio inflows to countries across the world. The 2024 GOI report provides a global overview of countries' attractiveness and capital inflows.