AEIR 2023

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The economy gradually recovered in 2021 from its worst contraction in decades. Real GDP expanded by 2.3% after shrinking by 0.5% in 2020. Industrial and agriculture exports contributed much to the recovery. Industrial output expanded by 4%, supported by increased electricity and mining production, and rising construction activity. Inflation moderated to 3.7% in 2021 from 5.1% in 2020. The central bank allowed the official exchange rate to depreciate—on average, the kip fell 7.5% against the United States dollar—causing prices of imported goods to rise, especially petroleum products and construction materials. The authorities increased oil prices 13 times in 2021. Recovery is expected to continue with GDP growing by 3.4% in 2022 and by 3.7% in 2023.  
Source: Asian Development Outlook 2022.
Latest Month-Ago Year-Ago
Composite Stock Price Index 1 1.0 (Feb23)853.8 603.6
Broad Money Growth 2 39.7 (Sep22)39.7 18.8
Headline Inflation Rate 3 41.3 (Feb23)40.3 7.3
Merchandise Export Growth 3 23.9 (Nov22)23.9 28.4
Exchange Rate Index 4 157.9 (Feb23)159.2 106.8
1 Monthly average, local index.
2 %.
3 y-o-y, %.
4 Monthly average, January 2006 = 100, $/local currency.
Source: Bloomberg LP; CEIC database.

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