Laos recorded total exports of USD 2.77 billion in the early 2026, maintaining steady trade activity despite a slight slowdown in March.
Gold remained the top export, generating more than USD 480 million, followed by potassium salt and electrical equipment. The figures reflect continued reliance on natural resources alongside expanding industrial output.
China was the largest buyer, importing around USD 482 million in gold in 2026, primarily for refining and investment markets.
Potassium salt exports reached USD 299 million, supporting fertilizer production across the region. Electrical machinery accounted for USD 271 million, linked to cross-border supply chains in electronics manufacturing.
Vietnam and Thailand continued to play key roles in regional trade, with exports more focused on agriculture and raw materials.
Vietnam imported around USD 60 million in livestock, including cattle and buffalo, along with sugar and rubber for food processing and industrial use.
Thailand remained a major destination for cassava exports worth over USD 162 million, processed into starch for both food and industrial purposes, alongside smaller volumes of gold and copper used in manufacturing and construction..
Import Side
However, the trade balance narrowed in March and briefly slipped into deficit, driven by a sharp increase in imports, particularly fuel and oil.
Total imports reached USD 2.46 billion during the same period, with significant spending on diesel, gold ore, vehicles, and machinery.
Despite this pressure, Laos maintained an overall trade surplus of approximately USD 310 million, indicating that export growth continues to support the economy.
Compared to the same period in 2025, export performance has improved. Exports stood at USD 2.52 billion in the first quarter of last year, with a higher trade surplus of USD 414 million.
While trade momentum remains steady, rising fuel costs continue to weigh on the country’s trade balance.
Fuel Imports Drive Pressure on Trade Balance
Fuel imports played a central role in shaping Laos’ trade position in early 2026, as rising energy demand pushed overall import spending higher. In March alone, Laos imported a total of USD 183 million of diesel, twice higher compared to January and February.
In the first 3 months of 2026, Diesel imports reached around USD 375 million, accounting for more than 15 percent of total imports. Meanwhile, gasoline imports stood at USD 54.6 million, or about 2.2 percent.
This shows Laos’ heavier reliance on diesel to support transport, logistics, and industrial activity.
