Lao PDR Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Lao PDR's tax revenue was 10.87% in 2025, ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 10.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2008–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's tax revenue stood at 10.87% in 2025, a decline of +1.24% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 10.87% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 102nd globally.
Lao PDR’s tax revenue as a share of GDP fell to 10.87 in 2025, placing the country 102nd in the world and below peers such as Czechia (10.96) and Tajikistan (10.61). The downward trajectory marks a reversal from the all‑time peak of 13.83 recorded in 2014, when fiscal capacity was buoyed by strong export growth and modest public‑sector reforms. The all‑time trough of 9.40 in 2020 coincided with the pandemic‑induced slowdown, after which revenue recovered only partially, slipping from 12.10 in 2008 to the current level. Over the 16‑year coverage period, the average decline suggests persistent challenges in broadening the tax base and improving compliance, despite modest improvements in administrative efficiency. Continued diversification of the economy, coupled with reforms to modernise tax administration and expand indirect taxes, will be decisive in determining whether Lao PDR can reverse the recent decline and sustain higher revenue ratios in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 10.87% | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.87% | −1.24% | #102 |
| 2022 | 12.11% | +1.72% | #25 |
| 2021 | 10.39% | +0.99% | #20 |
| 2020 | 9.40% | −2.06% | #18 |
| 2019 | 11.47% | −0.26% | #26 |
| 2018 | 11.72% | −0.52% | #31 |
| 2017 | 12.24% | −0.70% | #40 |
| 2016 | 12.94% | −0.56% | #39 |
| 2015 | 13.51% | −0.32% | #52 |
| 2014 | 13.83% | +0.09% | #52 |
| 2013 | 13.74% | +0.13% | #47 |
| 2012 | 13.61% | +0.46% | #47 |
| 2011 | 13.15% | +0.12% | #40 |
| 2010 | 13.03% | +0.27% | #42 |
| 2009 | 12.76% | +0.65% | #40 |
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 tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's tax revenue was 10.87% in 2025. Ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 10.2% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's tax revenue peaked at 13.83% in 2014.
The lowest tax revenue in Lao PDR was 9.40% in 2020.
Lao PDR ranks 102nd globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's tax revenue is projected to reach 10.87% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of Lao PDR in 2025 was 10.87%. This ranks 102nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_tax-revenue,
title = {Lao PDR Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}