Laos

Staple foods in Laos saw healthy retail volume growth during 2024. However, increases remain constrained by a strong preference for widely available and cheaper unpackaged or fresh products. In addition, still high inflation and currency depreciation…

In 2024, cooking ingredients and meals in Laos continued to be hampered by high inflationary pressure on fuel and product prices as well as an urban-centric demand. Nonetheless, growth opportunities were derived from population increases,…

In 2024, consumer health in Laos exhibits growth despite challenges from high inflation and currency depreciation, which have pressured household healthcare spending. Analgesics remain the top-selling category, followed by cough, cold, and allergy…

Milk formula is the most popular type of packaged baby food in Laos. Many mothers turn to milk formula when they are unable to breastfeed their babies and infants up to 12-months-old. Nevertheless, breastfeeding is strongly recommended by doctors and…

Snacks in Laos remains dominated by international brands with more products being introduced to local consumers. Additionally, more local brands have been seen, particularly within sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks, ice cream and savoury…

The Vientiane in Laos report provides comprehensive city level information benchmarked against other cities in the country and region. The report includes historic data and forecasts on city population, consumer expenditure, digital penetration,…

The Savannakhet in Laos report provides comprehensive city level information benchmarked against other cities in the country and region. The report includes historic data and forecasts on city population, consumer expenditure, digital penetration,…

Alcoholic drinks in Laos in 2023 has seen notable growth, driven primarily by increased beer consumption, although wine and spirits have maintained their shares. Despite significant inflation weakening the Lao Kip, a large proportion of the…

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…

Tobacco in Laos recorded positive sales growth in 2023, despite spreading health concerns and government efforts to reduce smoking prevalence via information campaigns, taxation and regulation. The 2023 decree imposing higher taxes on cigarettes and…

The number of households is set to increase moderately, while the average household size will shrink in Laos over 2023-2028. Extended ("Other") households will remain the dominant household type but the fastest household expenditure growth is…

The report examines the economic landscape of Laos and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending,…

In 2023, beauty and personal care in Laos has rebounded from the pandemic-related constraints, driven by increased consumer engagement in pre pandemic routines. This resurgence has notably boosted the demand for colour cosmetics and men’s grooming.…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…