Breakthrough in Vietnam’s Chemical Exports to Laos
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Vietnam–Laos trade in the first half of 2025 recorded a remarkable highlight: the spectacular breakthrough of the chemical products group, which rose to lead Vietnam’s export turnover to this close neighboring market.
According to data from the Customs Department, in the first six months of 2025, the total import–export value between the two countries reached an impressive USD 1.78 billion, marking a strong growth of 92.1% compared to the same period last year. Within this overall picture, Vietnam’s exports to Laos surged by 132%, reaching USD 671 million.
The most notable highlight was chemical products. This category brought Vietnam USD 309.4 million, becoming the country’s highest-value export group. This is particularly striking compared to the modest USD 3.8 million achieved in the same period of 2024. Chemicals were also the only export item to surpass the USD 100 million mark to Laos during this period, affirming an outstanding leading position.
Alongside chemicals, many other Vietnamese export groups also witnessed robust growth, contributing to a vibrant export landscape. Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts increased by 170% to USD 59.3 million, while iron and steel products and steel saw growth of 74% and 95% respectively. Notably, other base metals and related products jumped by 431%, reaching USD 10 million. Only petroleum products, among the top 10 export items, recorded a significant decline, falling by 73%.
Pic: Vietnam’s chemical exports to Laos
On the import side, Vietnam also increased imports from Laos to USD 1.11 billion, up 73.9%. Rubber and coal continued to be the key import commodities, accounting for about 20% of Vietnam’s total import value from Laos.
These figures reflect a positive trend and substantial potential in Vietnam–Laos trade relations, with the rise of industrial product groups such as chemicals promising to open up many more opportunities for cooperation and development in the future.
