Lao PDR Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Lao PDR's trade openness was 75.09% in 2016, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 12.5% decrease from 2015. Data from World Bank, covering 1984–2016.
Overview
Lao PDR's trade openness stood at 75.09% in 2016, a decline of +10.71% from 2015. Lao PDR ranked 92nd globally.
Lao PDR’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, rose dramatically from an all‑time trough of 9.11 in 1984 to a peak of 99.06 in 2014, reflecting successive liberalisation reforms and integration into regional supply chains. By 2016 the ratio stood at 75.09, placing the country 92nd globally and aligning closely with peers such as Kosovo (75.02) and Samoa (75.21). The 33‑year coverage shows a sustained upward trajectory, with the steepest gains occurring in the 1990s and early 2000s as tariff barriers fell and infrastructure improved. Although the 2016 level remains below the 2014 apex, the persistence of high openness suggests that continued participation in the ASEAN Economic Community and further diversification of export markets could maintain or even raise the ratio, provided that domestic productivity and logistics keep pace with external demand.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 75.09% | −10.71% | #92 |
| 2015 | 85.80% | −13.26% | #105 |
| 2014 | 99.06% | +0.88% | #117 |
| 2013 | 98.18% | −0.01% | #116 |
| 2012 | 98.19% | +6.49% | #108 |
| 2011 | 91.70% | +6.98% | #104 |
| 2010 | 84.72% | +7.79% | #99 |
| 2009 | 76.93% | −4.92% | #95 |
| 2008 | 81.85% | +2.64% | #87 |
| 2007 | 79.21% | −2.75% | #84 |
| 2006 | 81.96% | +10.17% | #88 |
| 2005 | 71.79% | +5.71% | #76 |
| 2004 | 66.08% | +5.51% | #62 |
| 2003 | 60.57% | −6.68% | #60 |
| 2002 | 67.25% | +1.36% | #75 |
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 openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's trade openness was 75.09% in 2016. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 12.5% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's trade openness peaked at 99.06% in 2014.
The lowest trade openness in Lao PDR was 9.11% in 1984.
Lao PDR ranks 92nd globally in trade openness as of 2016.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The trade openness of Lao PDR in 2016 was 75.09%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_trade-openness,
title = {Lao PDR Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}