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Friday, June 13, 2025
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Laos Agricultural Exports Reach USD 977 Million in Early 2025, Eyes Expansion into New Markets

This Week

Laos has made significant progress in agricultural exports, generating USD 977 million in revenue during the first five months of 2025, achieving 65 percent of its USD 1.5 billion annual target. The country now plans to expand its export markets, including new trade with Bangladesh.

These figures were announced by the Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during the 9th General Meeting held on 9 June. 

China remains the largest importer of Lao agricultural products, with major exports including 442 tons of farm-raised pangasius fish and 90 tons of fresh mangoes.

Enhanced agricultural productivity has also contributed to the sector’s growth. Paddy rice was cultivated across 84,715 hectares, yielding approximately 423,830 tons, 94 percent of the national target. This marks a slight decrease of 3,000 tons from the previous year, largely due to farmers shifting to alternative crops such as corn, vegetables, and soybeans.

Food crop production has exceeded expectations, with 136,630 hectares cultivated, 7.23 percent above the planned area. The total cultivated area rose to 146,520 hectares, an increase over the same period in 2024. White rice is currently being prepared for export to Brunei.

In the second half of the year, Laos plans to export 74 different agricultural products to various international markets. This includes the planned export of 200,000 tons of white rice annually to Bangladesh. 

China will continue to serve as a primary market, with ongoing negotiations to begin exports of frozen meat and meat-based products. Laos also aims to export approximately 1,500 tons of mangoes to China within this year.

To support these efforts, the government is also working to upgrade local slaughterhouses to meet international standards for food safety and quality.

 

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