Merchandise exports, imports rise 61.9 pc, 31.6 pc in 2 months: NRB report

KATHMANDU: Nepal's merchandise exports rose 61.9% to Rs 76.59 billion in the first two months of the fiscal year 2026/27, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said in its latest macroeconomic report published on Thursday.

The central bank said exports to India, China and other countries increased by 70.6%, 137.6% and 22.7%, respectively. Exports of soya bean oil, polyester yarn and thread, palm oil, zinc sheet and particleboard increased, while exports of ayurvedic medicine, tanned skin, pulses, Nepali paper and paper products and herbs decreased in the review period.

Likewise, merchandise imports increased 31.6% to Rs 401.52 billion, leaving the trade deficit 26.0% higher at Rs 324.93 billion.

NRB said imports from India, China and other countries rose by 27.4%, 17.2% and 56.6%, respectively. Imports of petroleum products, chemical fertiliser, crude soya bean oil, edible oil and transport equipment, vehicle and other vehicle spare parts increased, while imports of gold, rice and paddy, aircraft spare parts, polythene granules and medical equipment and tools decreased.

The NRB said the export‑import ratio increased to 19.1% in the review period from 15.5% a year earlier. Merchandise imports from India paid in convertible foreign currency amounted to Rs 37.93 billion, up from Rs 27.75 billion in the same period of the previous year.