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| Freight containers line up on wagons at Vientiane South train station, ready for cross-border transport. |
Laos posts strong Q1 trade surplus
Laos recorded US$5.2 billion in foreign trade in the first quarter of 2026, achieving a surplus of more than US$310 million on rising exports.
The figure marks an increase of 13 percent over the US$4.6 billion recorded in the same period in 2025, reflecting steady growth in external trade and stronger export performance.
According to the Department of Foreign Trade, the total value of exports reached US$2.77 billion in January to March, exceeding imports worth US$2.46 billion and helping to secure the surplus.
Key export products remain concentrated in the resource and energy sectors, including gold alloy and gold bars, potash salt, and electrical equipment. These commodities continue to play a central role in driving Lao export earnings.
China remained the largest export market, accounting for nearly US$1 billion in shipments during the three-month period. Vietnam and Thailand followed as the next biggest destinations for Lao goods.
On the import side, Thailand ranked first, supplying goods worth about US$1.33 billion. China and Vietnam were the second and third largest sources of imports.
Major import items included diesel fuel, raw materials, machinery and vehicles, reflecting growing economic activity and demand for production inputs.
Although the overall trade balance remained positive, it narrowed in March and briefly fell into deficit as imports rose sharply, driven mainly by fuel and oil, with the import value reaching about US$1.09 billion.
The rise came as global fuel prices increased due to conflict in the Middle East, which disrupted supply worldwide.
Fuel imports played a key role in shaping Laos’ trade position in early 2026, as rising energy demand pushed overall import spending higher.
In March alone, the value of imported diesel climbed to US$183 million, about twice the value recorded in January and February.
Over the first three months of this year, diesel imports totalled about US$375 million, accounting for more than 15 percent of all imports. Gasoline imports stood at US$54.6 million, or about 2.2 percent of the total.
The figures highlight Laos’ heavy reliance on diesel to support transport, logistics and industrial activity, which continues to put pressure on the trade balance.
The strong performance in the first two months helped offset the March shortfall and kept the quarterly balance in surplus.
The latest figures highlight the importance of maintaining export growth while managing imports, especially non-essential goods, to sustain economic stability.
The rise in trade value is seen as supporting investor confidence and helping maintain currency stability, contributing to broader macroeconomic health.
In 2025, Laos recorded total foreign trade of more than US$19 billion, with exports valued at US$9.5 billion and imports at US$9.6 billion, showing a near-balanced position for the year.
By Times Reporters
(Latest UpdateApril 24, 2026)
