Vientiane (VNA) – Laos' total import-export value in June hit nearly 1.23 billion USD, a 13% increase from May, the Lao Trade Portal (LTP) has reported.
Of which, imports reached 680 million USD while exports brought home 547 million USD, according to the centre. Despite a trade deficit of 133 million USD, the export value increased 13% from May, showing the Lao economy is on a recovery.
Key export items included potassium salt (80 million USD), mixed gold (67 million USD), paper (40 million USD), rubber (29 million USD), copper ore (27 million USD), wood chips (23 million USD), sugar (17 million), cassava flour at (16 million USD), bananas at (12 million USD, and cassava (8 million USD).
China led Laos's export markets, with 199 million USD, followed by Vietnam with 115 million USD, Thailand 100 million USD, the US 20 million USD, and Switzerland 18 million USD.
The country's June import value rose 7% compared to the previous month. Major imports were diesel fuel, road transport vehicles (excluding motorcycles), machinery and equipment, and electrical and electronic equipment.
Its top import markets included China, Thailand, and Vietnam with 271 million USD, 258 million USD, and 63 million USD, respectively./.
