Lao PDR GDP Growth
Annual percentage growth rate of GDP NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG
Lao PDR's gdp growth was 3.49% in 2025, ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 15.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's gdp growth stood at 3.49% in 2025, a decline of +0.64pp from 2024. The IMF projects 3.49% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 72nd globally.
Lao PDR’s real GDP growth has moderated sharply since the early 1980s, when the economy expanded at an all‑time peak of 15.33 % in 1981, but it fell to an all‑time trough of –2.01 % in 1988, reflecting the severe external shocks and structural adjustments of that decade. Over the 46‑year series, growth has averaged around 3.5 %, and the most recent estimate for 2025 stands at 3.49 %, placing the country 72nd globally. This 2025 figure mirrors the performance of Türkiye, which posted the same 3.49 % growth rate, and is close to North Macedonia’s 3.40 % and Costa Rica’s 3.59 %. The convergence with these peers suggests that Lao PDR’s economy is now operating in a more stable, middle‑income growth corridor after decades of volatility. Continued improvements in infrastructure, diversification of exports and higher private‑sector investment will be essential to sustain or modestly raise the growth trajectory in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | GDP Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 2.46% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 2.46% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 2.47% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 3.49% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.49% | −0.64pp | #72 |
| 2024 | 4.13% | +0.47pp | #60 |
| 2023 | 3.75% | +1.49pp | #81 |
| 2022 | 2.71% | +0.65pp | #150 |
| 2021 | 2.53% | +2.96pp | #163 |
| 2020 | 0.50% | −4.15pp | #34 |
| 2019 | 5.46% | −0.79pp | #41 |
| 2018 | 6.25% | −0.64pp | #28 |
| 2017 | 6.89% | −0.13pp | #22 |
| 2016 | 7.02% | −0.25pp | #20 |
| 2015 | 7.27% | −0.34pp | #13 |
| 2014 | 7.61% | −0.41pp | #15 |
| 2013 | 8.03% | +0.22pp | #17 |
| 2012 | 8.03% | +0.04pp | #21 |
| 2011 | 8.04% | +0.02pp | #24 |
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 gdp growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's gdp growth was 3.49% in 2025. Ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 15.6% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's gdp growth peaked at 15.33% in 1981.
The lowest gdp growth in Lao PDR was -2.01% in 1988.
Lao PDR ranks 72nd globally in gdp growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's gdp growth is projected to reach 3.49% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The gdp growth of Lao PDR in 2025 was 3.49%. This ranks 72nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_gdp-growth,
title = {Lao PDR GDP Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/gdp-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}