Laos

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…

Inflation rose significantly in 2022 meaning the Lao kip exchange rate remained weak compared to other currencies, particularly the dollar and baht, leading to rising consumer costs. This affected household spending, especially among low and middle…

Whilst the business environment is marred by regulatory opacity and hampered by corruption, communist rule has enabled political stability. The economy is forecast to rebound relatively strongly from the Coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic, but exposure…

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…

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…

Tissue and hygiene saw steady growth in retail volume terms in 2022 although there is not yet widespread usage in most categories. COVID-19 had a negative impact on demand for tissue and hygiene with many consumers plunged into economic uncertainty,…

? In 2022, Laos seems to have bid farewell to the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions easing and consumers returning to their pre pandemic routines. However, the country and economy faces a new set of challenges due to the international fuel hikes…

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 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.…

In 2022, hot drinks is recovering well from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the health and wellness trend driving growth for tea and other hot drinks. Since the pandemic, the health and wellness trend accelerated with many consumers taking…

In 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic is well and truly coming to an end, with restrictions easing, consumers returning to their pre pandemic routines and tourism resuming. However, the country its economy now faces a new set of challenges due to…

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…