Merchandise exports increase 77.5 pc to Rs 93.5bn, imports 18.7 pc to Rs 609.45bn in 4 months: NRB
KATHMANDU: Merchandise exports increase 77.5% to Rs 93.50 billion in first four months of fiscal year 2025/26, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said on Monday in its latest macroeconomic and financial situation report.
Destination‑wise, exports to India rose 113.9% and exports to other countries increased 2.9%, while exports to China fell 56.2%. Exports of soyabean oil, cardamom, palm oil, jute goods and shoes and sandals increased, whereas exports of zinc sheet, particle board, tea, woollen carpet and handicraft goods declined in the review period.
Likewise, merchandise imports increased 18.7% to Rs 609.45 billion in the same period, compared with growth of 0.2% a year earlier. Imports from India, China and other countries rose 6.6%, 28.5% and 48.9% respectively. Imports of crude soyabean oil, gold, chemical fertiliser, transport equipment, vehicles and spare parts, and silver increased, while imports of hot rolled sheet in coil, edible oil, garlic, oil seeds and pulse products decreased.
The total trade deficit widened 12.0% to Rs 515.96 billion during the four months of fiscal year 2025/26; the deficit had fallen 0.3% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export‑import ratio improved to 15.3% from 10.3% a year earlier.
During the review period, merchandise imports from India paid in convertible foreign currency amounted to Rs 54.98 billion, down from Rs 57.24 billion in the same period of the previous year, according to the NRB report.
