Merchandise exports and imports rise 14.2 pc and 14.8 pc respectively in 10 months: NRB

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s merchandise exports rose 14.2% to Rs 248.96 billion in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025/26, Nepal Rastra Bank said in its macroeconomic and financial situation report released on Tuesday. Merchandise imports also increased, and the trade deficit widened.

Meanwhile, merchandise imports rose 14.8% to Rs 1,692.64 billion, compared with growth of 13.1% a year earlier.

The total trade deficit widened 14.9% to Rs 1,443.68 billion during the 10 months; the deficit had increased 6.7% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export-import ratio edged down to 14.7% from 14.8% in the same period a year earlier.

By market, exports to India increased 16.1%, and exports to other countries rose 9.5%, while exports to China fell 41.7%. Shipments of soyabean oil, cardamom, palm oil, noodles and jute goods increased, while exports of zinc sheet, particle board, tea, woollen carpet and handicraft goods declined.

On the imports side, imports from India increased 10.6%, from China 21.4% and from other countries 20.7%. Higher imports were recorded for petroleum products, chemical fertiliser, silver, transport equipment, vehicles and spare parts, and crude soyabean oil, while imports of hot-rolled sheet in coil, edible oil, garlic, pulses and MS wire rod, bars and coils decreased.

Merchandise imports from India paid in convertible foreign currency amounted to Rs 160.80 billion in the review period, up from Rs 152.48 billion a year earlier.

By broad economic category, final consumption goods accounted for 69.4% of total exports, intermediate goods 29.8% and capital goods 0.8% in the review period, compared with 66.5%, 32.5% and 1.0% respectively in the same period last year. On the imports side, final consumption goods made up 38.3%, intermediate goods 52.4% and capital goods 9.3%, against 39.3%, 51.8% and 8.9% a year earlier.

On prices, the year-on-year unit value export price index based on customs data rose 3.1% in the 10th month of 2025/26, while the import price index increased 24.0%. The terms of trade index fell 16.9% during the same period.