Containers carrying goods for export and import sit at a freight yard on the Laos-China Railway.

Foreign trade tops US$19 billion in 2025

The value of Laos’ foreign trade rose to more than US$19.2 billion in 2025, reflecting steady growth despite a modest trade deficit when electricity exports are excluded.
Figures from the Department of Foreign Trade show that total import-export trade value reached US$19,214,860,439 last year, marking a 4.9 percent increase compared to 2024 when electricity exports are included.
In 2024, foreign trade was valued at US$18,315,209,733, with electricity exports alone valued at about US$2.6 billion.
Of the more than US$19 billion recorded in 2025, Laos exported goods worth US$9.5 billion while the value of imports exceeded US$9.6 billion. This resulted in a trade deficit of more than US$88 million when electricity exports are not counted.
Electricity sales continue to play a crucial role, contributing more than US$2 billion annually and helping to ease pressure on the overall trade balance, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
China remained Laos’ largest trading partner if the sale of electricity is discounted, with total trade valued at nearly US$6.6 billion.
Exports to China amounted to US$3,322,341,209, while imports reached US$3,277,603,103, resulting in a relatively balanced trade relationship. Thailand ranked second, followed by Vietnam and the United States.
Trade figures also highlight changes in the structure of Lao exports. Electrical appliances and electrical equipment topped the list in 2025, generating more than US$1.6 billion.
Gold alloys and gold bars followed with a value of US$1.2 billion, while potash salt exports reached US$904 million. These products point to growing diversification beyond traditional commodities.
On the import side, fuel remained the biggest ticket item at over US$1 billion, underlining the country’s continued dependence on imported gasoline.
The import of vehicles, excluding motorcycles and tractors, ranked second with a value of US$938 million, followed by precious materials worth US$819 million.
Speaking at the recent National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Politburo member and Prime Minister, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, said foreign trade had expanded steadily over the past five years.
According to a report presented at the congress, the total value of foreign trade from 2021-2025 soared to US$84.4 billion, equal to 119 percent of the target figure, which was set at US$70.9 billion. The value of exports totalled US$46.4 billion, equalling 122 percent of the planned figure, with an average annual growth rate of 15.19 percent.
Imports over the same period amounted to US$37.9 billion, equivalent to 115 percent of the plan, and grew at an average annual rate of 13.45 percent.
As a result, Laos recorded a cumulative trade surplus of US$8.4 billion over the five years.

By Phonepaseuth Volakhoun
(Latest Update January 23, 2026)