A freight train is loaded up at a container yard on the Laos-China Railway, with the large consignment indicating the increasing scale of cross-border trade. (File photo)

Laos posts US$202 million trade surplus as exports surge

Laos exported goods worth more than US$886 million in January, up 36 percent from the same month last year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Figures from the Department of Foreign Trade show that the value of exports (excluding electricity) rose from US$649 million in January 2025 to US$886 million in January 2026.
The total value of foreign trade in the first month of 2026 soared to US$1,571 million. Imports were valued at US$684 million, resulting in a trade surplus of about US$202 million.
The figures point to stronger export performance at the start of the year and are a positive sign for economic stability and cash flow.
Alloys and gold bars were Laos’ top export items in January, worth US$198 million, while electrical appliances and equipment ranked second at US$70 million.
China, Vietnam and Thailand remain Laos’ main export markets. Exports to China were valued at US$254 million, followed by Vietnam at US$163 million and Thailand at US$156 million.
Thailand remained Laos’ largest trading partner overall, with total trade worth US$521 million in January. Laos exported US$156 million worth of goods to Thailand but imported US$365 million, resulting in a trade deficit of US$209 million.
Thailand continues to be a major supplier of consumer goods, machinery, fuel, and construction materials. Close ties and convenient land transport help keep trade volumes high.
China ranked second, with total trade valued at US$444 million. The value of exports to China climbed to US$254 million while imports stood at US$190 million, resulting in a trade surplus of US$64 million.
Trade with China has expanded rapidly in recent years, supported by improved transport links and growing demand for Lao agricultural products and minerals.
Vietnam ranked third, with total trade valued at US$204 million. Laos exported US$163 million to Vietnam and imported US$41 million, recording a surplus of US$122 million.
Two other notable export markets in January were Australia, which purchased goods worth US$71 million, and Switzerland, which imported Lao products worth US$63 million, showing wider market reach beyond the region.
Among the main sources of imports were the United States, which sold goods worth US$27 million to Laos, and Japan, which exported products worth US$9 million, comprising mainly technological equipment, machinery, and other high-value goods.
Trade figures for recent years show Laos reached a high point in 2024, recording its strongest export performance in three years.
The Department of Foreign Trade reported that the value of Lao exports climbed to US$9,926 million in 2024, the highest amount  recorded from 2023 to 2025.
Laos posted a strong trade surplus in 2024, valued at US$1,537 million, helping support economic stability and foreign exchange reserves.
The value of exports was higher in 2025 than in 2023, but the trade balance shifted into negative territory because of the sharp increase in imports, which rose to more than US$9.6 billion.
This resulted in a trade deficit of US$88.81 million.
The Department of Foreign Trade said the increase in imports was necessary to meet growing domestic demand and support economic activities.
Overall, the figures suggest that the production of goods for export remains strong, while the need for imported goods is rising as the economy expands.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update February 19, 2026)