Vietnam’s record US$123 billion

If Laos is hoping to export its way out of its economic problems, it has a potential new hurdle in its way – the threat of 48% tariffs on shipments to the U.S., its fourth biggest foreign market. Laos has until July 1 to persuade the Trump administration it is taking steps to cut a trade surplus which stood at US$763 million in 2024, a 194% increase on the previous year, although tiny in proportion to neighboring Vietnam’s record US$123 billion surplus. If higher tariffs are introduced Laos will need to rely more heavily on its main export destinations, Thailand, China and Vietnam and seek new trading partners. สล็อต