Lao PDR Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
Lao PDR's trade balance was $-1.4B in 2016, ranked 65th globally. This represents a 46.5% increase from 2015. Data from World Bank, covering 1984–2016.
Overview
Lao PDR's trade balance stood at $-1.4B in 2016, a rise of +$1.2B from 2015. Lao PDR ranked 65th globally.
Laos' trade balance has experienced significant fluctuations over the past three decades, spanning from a low of -62,857,144.65 in 1984 to a trough of -2,616,296,334.36 in 2013, and most recently registering a deficit of -1,380,097,004.20 in 2016. This trajectory places Laos at the 65th position globally in terms of trade balance deficit. A comparison with peer countries reveals that North Macedonia's trade balance deficit in 2016 was slightly higher at -1,585,685,711.33. The large trade deficits experienced by Laos in the early 2010s, particularly in 2013, were likely due to a decline in exports, particularly of agricultural products, and a rise in import demand. To reverse this trend, Laos could focus on diversifying its exports, improving its trade agreements with key partners, and investing in infrastructure to enhance its logistics efficiency.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $-1.4B | +$1.2B | #65 |
| 2015 | $-2.6B | −$250.8M | #54 |
| 2014 | $-2.3B | +$285.7M | #56 |
| 2013 | $-2.6B | −$329.9M | #53 |
| 2012 | $-2.3B | −$1.3B | #55 |
| 2011 | $-963.6M | +$31.4M | #83 |
| 2010 | $-995.0M | −$16.6M | #72 |
| 2009 | $-978.4M | −$132.0M | #72 |
| 2008 | $-846.4M | −$340.3M | #83 |
| 2007 | $-506.1M | −$310.9M | #79 |
| 2006 | $-195.3M | +$184.0M | #90 |
| 2005 | $-379.3M | +$5.4M | #77 |
| 2004 | $-384.7M | −$110.1M | #69 |
| 2003 | $-274.6M | −$103.2M | #73 |
| 2002 | $-171.4M | +$8.2M | #77 |
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 trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's trade balance was $-1.4B in 2016. Ranked 65th globally. This represents a 46.5% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's trade balance peaked at $-62.9M in 1984.
The lowest trade balance in Lao PDR was $-2.6B in 2013.
Lao PDR ranks 65th globally in trade balance as of 2016.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
The trade balance of Lao PDR in 2016 was $-1.4B. This ranks 65th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_trade-balance,
title = {Lao PDR Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}