Vietnam-Laos trade continues flourishing

Two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos surpassed US$947 million in the first nine months of 2021, up 28.2% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Laos.

Two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos surpassed US$947 million in the first nine months of 2021. (Illustrative image/Source: VNA)
Two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos surpassed US$947 million in the first nine months of 2021. (Illustrative image/Source: VNA)

Of the total, Vietnam’s exports were valued at over US$447 million, up 6% year-on-year, and imports US$499 million, up 57.9%.

Compared to the same period of 2019 when the COVID-19 did not break out yet, the bilateral trade turnover rose by 14.4%.

In September alone, the two countries’ import-export value exceeded US$99 million, up 10.8% year-on-year.

In the month, Vietnam continued to record a trade deficit of US$21.57 million. During January-September, the country posted a trade deficit of US$52.4 million with Laos.

In the nine-month period, Vietnam sold to Laos mainly steel products (US$57.6 million), machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts (US$39.6 million), and fertilisers (US$17.25 million). It imported from Laos over US$106.9 million worth of rubber, US$71 million worth of timber and timber products, and US$58 million worth of minerals.