Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in Laos

Earlier Report Observations

The market for pig fat in Laos expanded consistently from 2018 to 2023, with production rising from 8 260 t to 9 987 t and total market volume growing from 8 268 t to 9 921 t. This represents an increase of approximately 20% over the six-year period, driven primarily by domestic output as imports remained negligible and exports played only a minor role.

After negligible trade activity in earlier years, exports saw a temporary surge to 140 t in 2022 before falling back to 66 t in 2023. Imports, which had briefly reached 28 t in 2020, ceased entirely from 2021 onward, making the market almost entirely supplied by local production. The steady climb in output was uninterrupted, with annual growth rates remaining positive throughout.

By 2023, broader shifts in Lao consumer preferences—including a growing interest in locally sourced food products—provided a supportive backdrop for domestic pig fat production. While no major regulatory changes or new market entrants were recorded, this trend toward local sourcing likely helped sustain demand for domestically produced animal fats.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Laos

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

Laos saw a second consecutive year of growth in the production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat. In 2020, the country produced 9 335 tonnes, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 4.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 260 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Laos in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Laos

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, Laos exported 13 700 kg of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, representing a substantial 585.0% increase compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Laos in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong was the sole destination for Laos's exports in kind, accounting for 100.0% of the total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Laos in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Laos's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in value terms reached 127.4 thousand US dollars in 2020, up by 585.0% year-over-year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Laos in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, exports in value terms were entirely concentrated on Hong Kong, which made up 100.0% of the total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Laos in value, 2017-2020

Imports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Laos

Imports in kind, kg

The import market showed notable fluctuations over the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 7 200 kg, with the largest decline of 14.4% that year. By 2020, imports surged to 27 500 kg, a sharp increase of 281.9% compared to 2019, resulting in a 3.8-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Laos in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, all imports in kind of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Laos came from China, making it the overwhelmingly dominant market with a 100.0% share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Laos in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited volatility during the observed years. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5.8 thousand US dollars, accompanied by the largest decline of 9.4%. In 2020, imports rose to 12.7 thousand US dollars, a 120.5% increase from the previous year, leading to a 2.2-fold difference between the 2020 peak and the 2019 trough.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Laos in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Laos's imports in value terms were entirely dependent on China, which accounted for 100.0% of the total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Laos in value, 2017-2020