Anchovies in Nghe An hit record price

Trays of anchovies are packed on each ship after each voyage. Photo: Quang An

Lach Quen fishing port, Quynh Luu district these days is always bustling with fishing boats returning, full trays of fish are transported to shore, traders buy on the spot. In particular, the price of anchovies has increased to a record, making fishermen excited.

Old fisherman Ho Sy Hau in Quynh Nghia commune said that his boat caught 11.1 tons of various types of seafood on the last trip, of which more than 5 tons were anchovies, the rest were miscellaneous fish. Because the price of anchovies increased from 10,000 to 14,000 VND/kg, even 17,000 VND/kg (fresh and delicious), he made a high profit.

The fish is purchased by traders at the highest price of 17,000 VND/kg. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Mr. Chu Van Tan - Head of Lach Quen Fishing Port added: Although the price of anchovies has increased quite strongly in recent times, the catch is not much, the reason may be due to the prolonged hot weather, the sea has not changed the current, so there are few fish. Therefore, the number of fishing boats catching 10 tons or more per trip is very small, mostly from 3 - 5 tons.

Traders buy anchovies right at Lach Quen fishing port. Photo: Quang An

According to Mr. Phan Van Hai - Chairman of the Quynh Lap Commune Fisheries Association (Hoang Mai town), previously, traders only bought anchovies at a price of 9,000 - 12,000 VND/kg, but now it has increased to 17,000 VND/kg, which is a record high. However, to get a price of 17,000 VND/kg, the fish must be fresh and even. The rest are commonly priced at 13,000 - 15,000 VND/kg, still much higher than before.

"This is the season for catching anchovies, and the prices are good, so fishermen are actively staying at sea to earn more income. Anchovies are purchased by businesses to process and dry, mainly for export," said Mr. Phan Van Hai.

Anchovies are purchased, processed, and dried by businesses in Hoang Mai town for export. Photo: Xuan Hoang

According to some traders, the reason for the recent price increase of anchovy products is that China, Laos... have increased imports of this type of fish to stockpile during the Covid-19 pandemic, so demand has increased.