AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION ANNOUNCES SECOND QUARTER RESULTS.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 1996--American Vanguard Corporation (Nasdaq National Market:AMGD) today reported financial results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 1996.

                            RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (Unaudited)

                      For The Three Months Ended   For the Six Months Ended
                                June 30,                    June 30,
                           1996         1995            1996         1995

Net sales             $ 9,892,000   $13,542,500    $20,313,100  $23,676,800
Gross profits           3,246,100     5,165,600      7,419,200    8,997,400
Operating income          225,500       762,800      1,041,700      876,500
Interest expense-net     (193,800)     (284,900)      (452,500)    (527,500)
Income from operations
 before income taxes       31,700       477,900        589,200      349,000
Income taxes              (16,200)     (193,600)      (239,200)    (142,200)
Net income           $     15,500 $     284,300  $     350,000 $    206,800
Per share information(a):
Net income                   $.01          $.11           $.14         $.08
Weighted average
 number of shares       2,522,079     2,551,308      2,522,079    2,553,657

(a) Earnings per share have been restated to reflect a 10% stock dividend which was paid on March 15, 1996 to stockholders of record as of February 29, 1996.

Eric Wintemute, President and CEO, commented, "Although our results for the six months ended June 30, 1996 compare favorably to the same period in 1995, we are disappointed to report a decline in second quarter sales and profitability. This decline is attributed to a decrease in use of some of our products due to unanticipated weather conditions affecting pest populations in the cotton market. Lower operating costs, however, favorably impacted our operating performance for both the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 when compared to the same periods in 1995."

Mr. Wintemute continued, "Historically, the majority of the Company's sales and earnings occur in the fourth quarter of the year and we continue to anticipate a similar performance in 1996. It should be noted that due to the lower than anticipated second quarter results and continuing unfavorable weather conditions, we do not presently anticipate that the Company's results for the year ended December 31, 1996 will exceed the sales and earnings records set in 1995. However, we will work diligently to maximize our financial results over the remaining two quarters of 1996, and seek to accelerate the Company's growth strategy of product and geographic diversification."

The Company, from time to time, may discuss forward-looking information. Except for the historical information contained in this release, all forward looking information are estimates by the Company's management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ from management's current expectations. Such factors include weather conditions, changes in regulatory policy, and other risks as detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports and filings. Forward-looking statements in this release represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

American Vanguard Corporation conducts its business through several subsidiaries including AMVAC Chemical Corp., a specialty chemical manufacturer that develops and markets safe and effective products for agricultural and commercial uses; GemChem, Inc., a national chemical distributor; AMVAC Chemical UK Ltd., the Company's Surrey, England-based office; and Environmental Mediation, Inc., an environmental consulting firm.

CONTACT: American Vanguard Corporation

Eric G. Wintemute, James A. Barry, 714/260-1200

or

The Equity Group Inc.

Tamara Ehlin, 212/836-9607