Merchandise exports increase 58.2 pc, imports 15.8 pc in five months: NRB

KATHMANDU: The country's merchandise exports increased 58.2% to Rs 116.51 billion during the first five months of fiscal year 2025/26. The growth compared with 16.5% in the same period last fiscal year, the macroeconomic and financial situation report released by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Friday said.

By destination, exports to India and other countries rose 82.7% and 5.5% respectively, while exports to China fell 73.3%. The NRB said exports of soyabean oil, cardamom, palm oil, jute goods, and shoes and sandals increased in the review period, while shipments of zinc sheet, particle board, tea, woollen carpet and handicraft goods declined.

Likewise, merchandise imports grew 15.8% to Rs 766.19 billion in the same period, up from a 3.0% increase a year earlier. Imports from India, China and other countries rose 5.7%, 24.6% and 40.8% respectively. The central bank noted higher imports of crude soyabean oil, chemical fertiliser, gold, transport equipment, vehicles and spare parts, and silver, while imports of hot rolled sheet in coil, garlic, edible oil, oil seeds and pulses products decreased.

The total trade deficit widened 10.5% to Rs 649.68 billion during the five months of 2025/26, compared with a 1.5% increase in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export‑import ratio improved to 15.2% from 11.1% a year earlier.

The NRB also reported that merchandise imports from India paid in convertible foreign currency amounted to Rs 69.45 billion in the review period, down from Rs 72.84 billion in the same period of the previous year.