Green forest fire notification in Laos

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Laos Forest Fires

1. Summary

Forest fires occurred in Laos for approximately two weeks from March 31 to April 14. Classified as moderate-level, these fires are now extinguished but may have temporarily impacted agricultural production and regional logistics networks in Laos.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural commodity risk: As a major producer of rice, corn, rubber and other agricultural products, Laos faces potential production disruptions in farmland and rubber plantations near fire-affected areas
• Timber supply chain impact: Concerns over temporary supply delays of Laotian logs and processed timber products within Southeast Asian timber supply chains
• Overland transport routes: Potential temporary rerouting of China-Vietnam overland transport corridors that transit through Laos
• Power supply stability: Need to assess long-term watershed management and power export impacts (to Thailand, Vietnam) due to forest losses around Laos' hydroelectric facilities

3. Watch points

• Agricultural damage assessment: Monitor official damage investigation results from the Laotian government and 2026 crop yield forecasts
• Rainy season preparations: Track forest recovery progress and secondary damage risk from soil erosion before the May-October rainy season begins