Laos

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…

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…

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,…

In 2023, Laos is facing a new set of economic challenges attributed to the global surge in fuel prices, the devaluation of the Lao Kip, and rising inflation. As of April 2023, inflation increased significantly, primarily driven by the devaluation of…

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…

The COVID-19 pandemic has more or less come to an end in 2023, however, the country and economy faces a new set of challenges due to the international fuel hikes and inflation. As a result, most categories within cooking ingredients and meals have…

In 2023, health sensitivities among consumers in Laos, due to local diet and weather, have led to increased demand for consumer health products. Likewise, the prevalence of self-medication persists due to limited hospital access, leading consumers to…

Dairy products is performing well in Laos in 2023, benefiting from its reputation being a key source of nutrition and the status of baby food as essential for all households with babies and infants. However, the industry is facing some challenges in…

In 2023, snacks in Laos continues to benefit from the full reopening of the economy as the COVID-19 pandemic has come to an end. With students returning to educational institutes full-time, this has partially driven demand as snacks are popular lunch…

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…