According to data from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Nepal’s total merchandise exports surged by 81.8 percent in the fiscal year 2081/82, reaching NPR 27.73 billion. Exports of woolen carpets, handicrafts, and ready-made garments to China showed notable growth, while soybean oil, polyester thread, and jute products exports to India also witnessed significant increases. The ministry’s report indicated that the total merchandise trade deficit for fiscal year 2081/82 rose by 60 percent to NPR 152.79 billion.
At an event held in Kathmandu on 3 Shrawan, the ministry disclosed that exports to China climbed by 46.6 percent compared to the previous year, amounting to NPR 263 million in FY 2081/82, an increase of 1.6 percent. According to the ministry, “Exports to China particularly increased in woolen carpets, handicraft materials, and ready-made garment items.”
The ministry updated the National Trade Deficit Reduction Action Plan in 2023, covering the period from 2079/80 to 2084/85, which includes detailed information on Nepal’s imports and exports. In FY 2074/75, the value of imported goods in Nepal stood at NPR 124.5 billion, which rose to NPR 192 billion by FY 2078/79 over five years.
Accordingly, total merchandise imports increased by 13.3 percent in FY 2081/82, reaching NPR 180.412 billion. Imports from India surged by 75 percent to NPR 107.12 billion, while imports from China grew by 14.2 percent to NPR 34.11 billion. Consequently, the total merchandise trade deficit expanded by 60 percent, reaching NPR 152.79 billion.
