Green forest fire notification in Laos

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Laos Wildfire Incident

1) Summary A moderate-intensity wildfire occurred in Laos for approximately 2 weeks from March 29 to April 13. This wildfire, confirmed through the GDACS monitoring system, is analyzed to have occurred during Southeast Asia's dry season.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural commodities: As Laos is a major rice producer, potential reduction in rice exports if agricultural lands near fire-affected areas are damaged
• Timber & pulp: Increased need to seek alternative sourcing as procurement of Laotian timber faces disruptions in Southeast Asian timber supply chains
• Hydroelectric power: As Laos serves as a hydroelectric hub in the Mekong River basin, ecosystem changes in the watershed due to wildfires could indirectly affect power exports
• Overland logistics: Expected temporary increase in rerouted transportation for China-Southeast Asia overland transport routes that transit through Laos

3) Watch points

• Official government announcement on damage scale and agricultural production impact assessment results after mid-April
• Potential for additional wildfire occurrences and fire spread trends across the broader Mekong River basin before the end of dry season (May-June)