In the first quarter, Nghe An's import and export activities faced difficulties.

Specifically, export turnover in March 2023 is estimated to reach 175 million USD, bringing the total turnover in 3 months to 520 million USD, down 5.8% over the same period in 2022.

Import turnover in March 2022 is estimated at 85 million USD, bringing the total import turnover in 3 months to 274.2 million USD, down 12.4% over the same period in 2022.

According to assessments, many key export products of Nghe An such as electronic components, fibers, garments, wood chips, packaging... are facing difficulties in the consumption market due to a sharp decrease in import orders.

Graphics: Huu Quan

Cargo output through Nghe Tinh port in the first quarter decreased compared to the same period: reaching 1,025,407 tons, reaching 91.33% compared to the same period in 2022. Of which, import and export output in the first quarter of 2023 is estimated at 385,500 tons, down 23.30% compared to the same period in 2022; Domestic output reached 472,321 tons, down 16.90%; Container output is estimated at 7,880 TEU equivalent to 143,123 tons, down 31.72% compared to the same period in 2022.

Besides some items with stable growth rates such as iron ore and fertilizer, items such as stone, wood chips, coal, sand, etc. all decreased.

Regarding container goods, due to the commodity market and customers not being able to sell their goods, the demand for domestic container transportation has decreased sharply. In particular, in recent times, international freight rates have decreased sharply, so shipping lines operating international routes have reduced their ships and switched to operating more domestic routes, leading to a decrease in domestic container freight rates. On the other hand, due to the difficult international container market situation, in recent times, international ships operated by VIMC Lines have temporarily stopped calling at Cua Lo port.

In the first quarter, goods exported through Cua Lo port decreased quite sharply. Photo: Thu Huyen

Stone output is estimated at 66,951 tons, down 38.61%, due to changes in state management policies for minerals, including white stone. Currently, at mines in Nghe An province, state management agencies are stepping up inspection and supervision, so mining at mines is temporarily suspended or operating below capacity. In addition, load control is being stepped up, leading to carriers negotiating freight rates with customers, so goods are being temporarily suspended or transported to ports in insignificant quantities.

Textiles and garments have long been the province's top export product, but recently, orders have decreased sharply and turnover has decreased. In the photo: Export gloves produced at Haivina Kim Lien Company Limited. Photo: Thu Huyen

Wood chip output in the first quarter of 2023 is estimated at 40,290 tons, down 57.86% over the same period in 2022, due to China's raw material areas being exploited again after the interruption of the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a decrease in demand for importing this item from Vietnam, so the output of goods through the port decreased sharply.

Coal output is estimated at 25,527 tons, down 48.44% due to the impact of coal prices on the world market, so coal prices in the domestic market increased, customers are negotiating suitable prices so they temporarily do not import goods, leading to a decrease in coal output through the port. Coal through the port in 2023 is mainly domestic coal...