Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Laos, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Laos experienced steady growth in the production and market volume of raw bovine and equine hides and skins. Domestic output rose from 8 448 t to 10 062 t, while the total market size expanded from 8 525 t to 10 122 t. Imports and exports remained at very low levels throughout this period, indicating the market was primarily supplied by local production.

In July 2021, China suspended imports of cattle and related products from Laos to prevent the cross-border spread of bovine tuberculosis. This restriction directly affected export market access for raw hides. Concurrently, government budget support for the livestock sector declined significantly, falling from 4% of the national budget in 2019 to about 0.4% in 2023. Despite these constraints on trade and potential long-term sector support, domestic production continued its upward trajectory.

By 2024, new factors emerged that could influence the supply chain. Following reported human cases of anthrax in Laos, authorities prohibited the transboundary movement of live animals at the border with Thailand, impacting livestock trade. Furthermore, livestock markets in the country generally operated without adequate veterinary assessment, posing animal health risks. Vietnam's establishment of a vaccine manufacturing hub exporting to Laos may contribute to better livestock health management, indirectly affecting the quality and availability of raw hides.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Laos

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Laos has seen its production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins grow for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 8 818 tonnes, marking a 1.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 7.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Laos

Exports in kind, kg

In 2018, Laos exported 5 612 kilograms of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, which represented a significant 46.3% increase from the year before.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and India were the primary markets for Laos's exports in kind. Thailand accounted for 59.4% of the total flows, while India made up 40.6%, together comprising 100.0% of all exports.

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

In 2018, the value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins exported from Laos reached 15.0 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 87.8% rise year-over-year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Thailand and India continued to be the main buyers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Laos in value terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total exports.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Laos

Imports in kind, kg

The import market showed considerable volatility during this period. The lowest point was in 2019, with 40 643 kilograms, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 83 241 kilograms, resulting in a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports rebounded sharply to 73 158 kilograms, reflecting an 80.0% surge compared to 2019. The most significant drop was recorded in 2019, with a 51.2% decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand dominated Laos's imports in kind of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, holding an 82.2% share of the total. The remaining imports were distributed among various smaller partners.

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

The import market experienced notable fluctuations over these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 248.3 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 670.3 thousand US dollars, representing a 2.7-fold increase. In 2020, imports jumped by 47.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 10.3% drop, whereas the biggest increase was in 2019, at 83.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand remained the leading source for Laos's imports in value terms, capturing 85.2% of the total. The rest of the imports were spread across several other destinations.

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

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