Tea exports to India through Kakarbhitta point decline

BHADRAPUR, JHAPA: Exports of Nepali tea to India through Kakarbhitta border crossing fell in fiscal year 2025/26, official customs data show.

Kakarbhitta Customs Office reported that Nepal shipped 13,045 metric tonnes of tea to India last fiscal year, valued at Rs 3.53bn, down from 15,311 metric tonnes worth Rs 4.17bn in fiscal year 2024/25. Tea export earnings declined by Rs 639.69 million year-on-year.

Chief Customs Administrator Shivlal Neupane said tea is the second-largest commodity handled at Kakarbhitta after cardamom and attributed the drop to price volatility in the Indian market, non-tariff hurdles related to quality testing, and shifts in production and pricing driven by international demand.

A large share of Nepal’s CTC and orthodox tea is routed to India via Kakarbhitta. Officials warn the decline could harm tea farmers, processors and suppliers and may widen the country’s trade deficit if the trend continues.

By RSS