Green forest fire notification in Laos

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Laos Wildfires

1. Summary

Medium-intensity wildfires occurred in Laos from March 30 to April 11, lasting approximately 12 days. The wildfires in this landlocked Southeast Asian nation are expected to potentially impact regional agricultural and timber supply chains.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural supply: Laos is a major producer of rice, cassava, and corn, with potential damage to farmland and crop storage facilities near the fire-affected areas
• Timber and forest products: Concerns over procurement disruptions and quality degradation of Laotian timber in Southeast Asian timber supply chains
• Mekong River basin logistics: Potential delays in Mekong River waterway transport and overland transportation in neighboring countries due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke
• Regional manufacturing: Risk of temporary suspension of raw material procurement from Laos by manufacturers in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam

3. Watch points

• Damage assessment: Monitor official announcements of farmland and forest damage area, and crop loss scale after wildfire suppression is completed
• Cross-border spread: Need to track potential wildfire spread to neighboring countries including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and monitor smoke damage