Merchandise exports rise 20.8 pc, imports 12.5 pc in eight months: NRB

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s merchandise exports rose 20.8% to Rs 191.11 billion during the eight months of fiscal year 2025/26, according to the macroeconomic and financial situation report released by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Thursday. This compares with a growth of 57.2% in the corresponding period of the previous year.

By destination, exports to India and other countries increased 25.3% and 7.8% respectively, while exports to China decreased 53.7%. Exports of soya bean oil, cardamom, palm oil, jute goods, and noodles, among others, increased while exports of zinc sheet, particle board, tea, woollen carpet and handicraft goods, among others, decreased in the review period.

Likewise, merchandise imports grew 12.5% to Rs 1,289.25 billion in the review period, compared with an 11.2% increase a year earlier. Imports from India, China and other countries rose 5.1%, 21.2% and 26.0% respectively. Imports of crude soyabean oil, chemical fertiliser, silver, transport equipment, vehicle and spare parts and telecommunication equipment and parts, among others, increased while imports of edible oil, hot rolled sheet in coil, garlic, pulses and MS billet, among others, decreased in the review period.

The total trade deficit widened 11.2% to Rs 1,098.14 billion during the eight months of 2025/26. Such a deficit had increased 6.2% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export-import ratio improved to 14.8% in the review period from 13.8% a year earlier.

The NRB also reported that merchandise imports from India against payment in convertible foreign currency amounted to Rs 120.41 billion in the review period. That amount was Rs 119.49 billion in the same period of the previous year.

As per the Broad Economic Categories (BEC), final consumption goods accounted for 69.1% of total exports, intermediate goods 30.0% and capital goods 0.9% in the review period, compared with 64.1%, 35.2% and 0.7% respectively a year earlier. On the import side, final consumption goods made up 37.1%, intermediate goods 53.6% and capital goods 9.3%, against 39.6%, 51.6% and 8.8% in the same period last year.