Lao PDR Current Account Balance
Current account balance as % of GDP BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS
Lao PDR's current account balance was 5.33% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 65.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's current account balance stood at 5.33% in 2025, a rise of +2.11% from 2024. The IMF projects 5.33% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 28th globally.
Lao PDR’s current‑account balance has swung dramatically over the 46‑year series, moving from a deficit of –2.24 % of GDP in 1980 to an all‑time peak of 6.17 % in 1999 before plunging to a trough of –15.72 % in 2015, reflecting the country’s transition from a modest export base to a period of heightened import‑driven growth and external financing needs. By 2025 the balance recovered to a surplus of 5.33 % of GDP, ranking 28th globally and placing Lao PDR alongside peers such as Germany (5.42 %) and Nigeria (5.68 %) in terms of surplus magnitude. The post‑trough rebound coincides with expanded tourism, increased foreign direct investment and a modest improvement in terms of trade, suggesting that the current surplus is driven more by capital inflows than by export competitiveness. Continued diversification of export markets and sustained fiscal discipline will be crucial to maintain the positive trajectory and prevent a reversal toward the deficits experienced in the mid‑2010s.
Data & projection
| Year | Current Account Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 0.06% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 0.51% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 0.93% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 1.32% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 2.71% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 5.33% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.33% | +2.11% | #28 |
| 2024 | 3.22% | +0.52% | #145 |
| 2023 | 2.55% | +5.59% | #144 |
| 2022 | -2.97% | −5.29% | #98 |
| 2021 | 2.29% | +3.94% | #140 |
| 2020 | -1.60% | +5.43% | #100 |
| 2019 | -7.04% | +2.05% | #45 |
| 2018 | -9.09% | −1.70% | #31 |
| 2017 | -7.38% | +1.33% | #41 |
| 2016 | -8.70% | +7.02% | #34 |
| 2015 | -15.72% | −1.21% | #15 |
| 2014 | -14.49% | −6.66% | #17 |
| 2013 | -7.83% | −0.49% | #54 |
| 2012 | -7.34% | +7.93% | #63 |
| 2011 | -2.36% | +14.12% | #110 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw current account balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's current account balance was 5.33% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 65.7% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's current account balance peaked at 6.17% in 1999.
The lowest current account balance in Lao PDR was -15.72% in 2015.
Lao PDR ranks 28th globally in current account balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's current account balance is projected to reach 5.33% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The current account balance of Lao PDR in 2025 was 5.33%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_current-account,
title = {Lao PDR Current Account Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/current-account/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}