Laos imports more than what it exports, which translates into a trade deficit that has substantially deepened since 2009. However, this trend could be reversed during the next coming years due to the strong and steady growth in exports. At the moment, imports are progressing faster due to the high demand of consumption goods and the goods required for the large construction projects. Laos exports hydroelectric energy to China, Vietnam and especially to Thailand as well as minerals (which is its main source of foreign currency). Even if the export of minerals can be volatile, the export of hydroelectric energy has the advantage of being stable.