Lao exports to Thailand decrease in January

VIENTIANE, Mar 4, 2021, Xinhua. The value of goods sold by Laos to Thailand in January slumped compared to the same period in 2020, which has been attributed to restrictions imposed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Xinhua reported.

In January 2020, Laos earned US$135 million from goods sold to Thailand but the figure fell to $89 million in January this year, according to the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

According to local daily Vientiane Times on Thursday, the value of goods imported from Thailand remains relatively stable, even though Lao authorities banned the import of fresh and frozen seafood from Thailand in December 2020 after a new outbreak of Covid-19 in the kingdom.

Thailand continues to be Laos’ top trading partner among all Asean countries, with bilateral trade expanding year-on-year.

The Lao Ministry of Commerce and Industry indicates that Thailand continues to hold the top spot, with electricity comprising Thailand’s largest import from Laos.

Electricity is the top export commodity after copper and copper products, electricity products, general merchandise, and camera items. Other goods exported to Thailand include vehicles and spare parts, and agricultural produce, according to the report.