Laos: economy

What is the inflation rate in Laos?

Consumer prices in the Lao PDR were 7.8% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, up from 7.7% in August, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau. Prices rose 1.1% in September after 0.8% in August, and the consumer price index stood at 277.0.

The Lao Statistics Bureau publishes the index and the inflation rates each month, with a monthly report in Lao. For comparison, the IMF World Economic Outlook database records average inflation of 23.1% in 2024 and 7.7% in 2025, after 31.2% in 2023, so the current rate is far below its recent peak. The Bank of the Lao PDR's website could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: Lao Statistics Bureau · IMF World Economic Outlook database

What is Laos's GDP growth rate?

The Lao PDR's GDP grew 4.8% in 2025, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau. Agriculture grew 3.5%, industry 5.1%, services 5.2% and net taxes on products 4.1%.

The figures are shown on the Bureau's home page as its headline 2025 national accounts results. Growth by sector shows which parts of the economy expanded fastest, with services and industry growing faster than agriculture. The Bureau also publishes an annual statistical yearbook, the latest for 2025.

Official sources: Lao Statistics Bureau

What is GDP per person in Laos?

GDP per person in the Lao PDR was US$2,176 in 2025, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau. Gross national income was 93.2% of GDP.

GDP per person divides the value of everything produced in the country by the population, so it is an average and says nothing about how income is shared. Gross national income is lower than GDP when more income flows abroad, for example as interest and profits, than flows in. Dollar values also move with the exchange rate of the kip.

Official sources: Lao Statistics Bureau

How large are the Lao PDR's foreign reserves?

The Lao PDR's total reserves, including gold, were USD 3.71 billion at the end of 2025, according to the World Bank, up from USD 2.21 billion a year earlier and USD 1.58 billion at the end of 2022.

The reserves are held by the Bank of the Lao PDR and include foreign currency, gold and special drawing rights at the International Monetary Fund. The figures come from international financial statistics reported to the IMF. The Bank of the Lao PDR's own website could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank

Does the Lao PDR earn more from abroad than it spends?

The Lao PDR had a current account surplus equal to 11.1% of GDP in 2025, according to the World Bank, up from 3.2% in 2024. In 2022 it had a deficit of 3.0% of GDP.

The current account adds up trade in goods and services, income from investments and work abroad, and transfers such as remittances. A surplus means more money came into the country from these flows than went out. Personal remittances were equal to 2.58% of GDP in 2025, up from 1.22% in 2020.

Official sources: World Bank · remittances

How fast is Laos' economy growing?

In 2025, real GDP growth in Laos was 4.5%, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.5% (2020) to 8.6% (2006). It is 11th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 3.6%. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 54th highest.

How rich is Laos per person?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $2,325. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at $2,589; its low point was 2005, at $466. East Asia & Pacific median: $6,547; Laos is 26th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 144th of 180.

How does Laos' income per person compare after prices?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Laos was $10,383 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $14,200 in international dollars, and Laos placed 17th highest of 29. Worldwide: 121st of 179.

How much does Laos export?

In 2016, exports of goods and services in Laos was 33.2% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 29.0% of GDP (2005) to 40.8% of GDP (2014). East Asia & Pacific median: 37.3% of GDP; Laos is 15th highest of 26. Worldwide: 81st of 168.

Does Laos have a current account surplus or deficit?

11.1% of GDP: that is the current account balance in Laos for 2025, according to the IMF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 1.6% of GDP; Laos is 3rd highest of 19. World rank, highest first: 9th of 132.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Laos?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 7.7% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 11.2% of GDP; its low point was 2005, at 1.0% of GDP. It is 6th highest of 28 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.9% of GDP. Worldwide: 22nd of 179.