Laos

Hopes for a quick economic recovery from the pandemic have been overshadowed by internal and external factors that threaten household living standards in Laos. Depreciation and (largely as a result) high inflation have led to rising prices,…

Hopes for a quick economic recovery from the pandemic have been overshadowed by internal and external factors that have threatened household living standards. Depreciation and consequent high inflation have led to rising prices, especially those of…

Inflation was high in 2023 and soaring food prices hit household budgets. The local currency continued to depreciate against most foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar and Thai baht, leading to higher consumer costs. This affected consumer…

Tissue and hygiene recorded steady growth in retail volume terms in 2023 although there was no widespread usage of most categories. Sustained economic recovery was aided by improved performances in tourism, transport and logistics services and…

In 2023, Laos is facing a new set of economic challenges attributed to the global surge in fuel prices, the devaluation of the Lao Kip, and rising inflation. As of April 2023, inflation increased significantly, primarily driven by the devaluation of…

In 2023, snacks in Laos continues to benefit from the full reopening of the economy as the COVID-19 pandemic has come to an end. With students returning to educational institutes full-time, this has partially driven demand as snacks are popular lunch…

Despite government efforts to reduce smoking prevalence, cigarettes remain popular among the country’s large population of low-income men. Despite the struggling economy, consumers are not likely to cut out smoking but instead, trade down to…

After being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and starting to recover in 2021, alcoholic drinks is performing very well in 2022, in line with consumption opportunities resuming once again. While inflation is taking place, this is…

Inflation remains high, making imported goods more expensive for consumers and restricting purchases of non-essentials, despite a degree of post-COVID-19 recovery. Retailing remains underdeveloped, with informal retailing dominant and benefiting from…

An authoritarian stance continues to curb civil liberties and public debt is dangerously elevated in Laos. Although falling, inflation remains very high and is negatively impacting the economy and consumption, whilst the low unemployment rate is…

In 2023, health sensitivities among consumers in Laos, due to local diet and weather, have led to increased demand for consumer health products. Likewise, the prevalence of self-medication persists due to limited hospital access, leading consumers to…

The COVID-19 pandemic has more or less come to an end in 2023, however, the country and economy faces a new set of challenges due to the international fuel hikes and inflation. As a result, most categories within cooking ingredients and meals have…

In 2022, sales are no longer impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions easing and consumers returning to pre-pandemic routines. This is boosting colour cosmetics and men’s grooming, as consumers once again prioritise their appearance.…

Dairy products is performing well in Laos in 2023, benefiting from its reputation being a key source of nutrition and the status of baby food as essential for all households with babies and infants. However, the industry is facing some challenges in…

The number of households is set to increase moderately in Laos over 2022-2027, with other remaining the dominant household type. In 2022 household spending was affected by inflation, which stood at 22.8% elevating living costs. The fastest household…

Insight into income, wealth and expenditure of consumers and households is vital in helping businesses make strategic decisions with regards to which country (or even which region within a country) to enter, which consumer segment to target, which…

This report assesses the business environment in Laos, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and innovative…

The report examines the economic landscape of Laos and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade, investments and government finance. The economy in Laos expanded in real terms in 2022, driven by increasing public and private…

Rapid population expansion in Laos in 2021-2040 will be driven solely by positive rates of natural increase. Ageing will accelerate in the future, even though Laos will remain relatively young in a regional context due to its comparatively high birth…