Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (left) meets with United States Trade Representative (USTR), Mr Jamieson Greer, during his working visit to Washington D.C., USA, from September 27-30.
PM visits US to boost economic ties, seek tariff cut
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has concluded a working visit to the United States aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and seeking a reduction in tariffs imposed on Lao exports.
During his visit to Washington D.C. from September 27-30, the Lao Premier met with the United States Trade Representative, Mr Jamieson Greer, for in-depth discussions on advancing ongoing trade negotiations and exploring ways to lower tariffs, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
The US currently imposes a 40 percent reciprocal tariff on imports from Laos, among the highest rates applied to any trading partner.
The National Economic and Social Science Institute noted in its report unveiled in July that the tariff rate was based on US’ perception of a trade deficit with Laos. However, Lao authorities said there is a huge discrepancy between trade figures reported by the two sides.
While US data indicated a trade deficit of more than US$762 million in 2024, statistics from the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce showed a modest trade surplus of just over US$42 million.
Laos’ exports to the US were valued at US$283.8 million, while imports from the world’s largest economy amounted to US$241.6 million.
MOFA said Prime Minister Sonexay informed the US side of the Lao government’s readiness to further expand trade and investment relations with the United States.
He reaffirmed Laos’ focus on international economic engagement as the nation prepares for anticipated graduation from Least Developed Country status in the near future.
The Prime Minister also outlined several trade facilitation measures being undertaken by the Lao government, including the potential waiver of import tariffs on US goods, streamlining of non-tariff barriers, and greater promotion of domestic products.
These efforts aim to build a more attractive and transparent environment for bilateral trade and investment.
The US Trade Representative welcomed the PM’s engagement in the discussions and praised the direct and open exchange.
He described the meeting as productive and said he would report the outcomes to the US President, particularly regarding tariff concessions and future economic engagement with Laos. During his time in Washington D.C., Prime Minister Sonexay also attended the US-Lao Business Roundtable, an important platform for enhancing private sector collaboration.
The Lao delegation outlined the government’s policies on trade and investment promotion, highlighting the country’s potential in various sectors and responding to questions from US companies.
The Prime Minister invited American business operators to explore opportunities in Laos, noting the country’s continued reforms to support foreign investment.
He also met with the advisory committee of Legacies of War, a US-based non-governmental organisation supporting efforts to address the impacts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos.
He expressed appreciation for the organisation’s advocacy and urged continued support in mobilising international assistance for UXO clearance, which remains a significant barrier to development in affected areas.
Over the years, Laos and the United States have worked closely on various humanitarian and development issues, including searching for and repatriating the remains of American service personnel Missing in Action (MIA), UXO clearance, and the repatriation of Lao nationals.
These efforts reflect the growing trust and cooperation between the two governments.
The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and the United States.
In 2026, the two countries will observe the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2016, which serves as a framework for strengthening bilateral ties across economic, political, and people-to-people links.
The working visit by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to Washington D.C. marks an important step in building mutual understanding and reaffirming the commitment of both nations to resolve outstanding issues and enhance economic cooperation under the principles of the Comprehensive Partnership.
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