Lao PDR Foreign Reserves
Total reserves including gold FI.RES.TOTL.CD
Lao PDR's foreign reserves was $2.1B in 2025, ranked 123rd globally. This represents a 16.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1988–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's foreign reserves stood at $2.1B in 2025, a rise of +$290.3M from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $2.1B by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 123rd globally.
Lao PDR’s foreign‑exchange reserves have risen dramatically over the 37‑year series, expanding from a modest 640,883.98 in 1988 – the all‑time trough – to an all‑time peak of 2,060,009,461.22 in 2025, placing the country at rank 123 globally. This growth reflects sustained current‑account surpluses, prudent fiscal management and inflows from foreign direct investment, particularly in hydropower and mining sectors. The reserve level in 2025 surpasses that of peer Suriname (1,884,637,769.34) and approaches Barbados (2,117,418,530.59), underscoring a relative strengthening of Lao’s external buffer compared with other small, open economies. While the upward trajectory has been steady, future reserve accumulation will depend on the continuation of export‑led growth, the stability of commodity prices and the capacity to manage external debt. Any slowdown in investment flows or a sharp depreciation of the kip could temper the current expansionary trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Foreign Reserves | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | $2.2B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $2.1B | - | - |
| 2025 | $2.1B | +$290.3M | #123 |
| 2023 | $1.8B | +$193.7M | #123 |
| 2022 | $1.6B | −$374.5M | #124 |
| 2021 | $2.0B | +$55.9M | #123 |
| 2020 | $1.9B | +$783.7M | #118 |
| 2019 | $1.1B | +$130.5M | #125 |
| 2018 | $980.4M | −$145.0M | #126 |
| 2017 | $1.1B | +$209.4M | #121 |
| 2016 | $916.0M | −$152.9M | #123 |
| 2015 | $1.1B | −$164.5M | #122 |
| 2014 | $1.2B | +$149.5M | #121 |
| 2013 | $1.1B | −$209.2M | #122 |
| 2012 | $1.3B | +$100.3M | #120 |
| 2011 | $1.2B | −$15.3M | #120 |
| 2010 | $1.2B | +$184.7M | #122 |
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 foreign reserves improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's foreign reserves was $2.1B in 2025. Ranked 123rd globally. This represents a 16.4% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's foreign reserves peaked at $2.1B in 2025.
The lowest foreign reserves in Lao PDR was $640,884 in 1988.
Lao PDR ranks 123rd globally in foreign reserves as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FI.RES.TOTL.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's foreign reserves is projected to reach $2.1B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Lao PDR's foreign reserves was approximately 2.06 billion ($2.1B) in 2025.
The foreign reserves of Lao PDR in 2025 was $2.1B. This ranks 123rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_reserves,
title = {Lao PDR Foreign Reserves},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/reserves/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}