Nepal's Foreign Trade Surges by 18.80%: Exports Jump by 77.77%

Nepal's total foreign trade has recorded a significant growth of 18.80% in the first eleven months of the current fiscal year 2081/82 (mid-July 2024 to mid-June 2025), according to data from the Department of Customs. The total foreign trade during this period reached Rs. 1.89 trillion, compared to Rs. 1.59 trillion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Imports stood at Rs. 1.64 trillion, marking a 13.15% increase compared to Rs. 1.45 trillion in the same period last year. Major import items include diesel, raw materials for soybean oil, petrol, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Notably, diesel topped the list with imports worth over Rs. 115 billion.

On the export front, Nepal witnessed an impressive 77.77% growth. The country exported goods worth Rs. 247.57 billion in the first 11 months of FY 2081/82, compared to Rs. 139.26 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Soybean oil and related products led the exports with a value of Rs. 93.51 billion, followed by sunflower oil (Rs. 11.33 billion) and carpets/textiles (Rs. 9.78 billion).

Despite strong export performance, Nepal’s trade deficit remained high at Rs. 1.39 trillion, up by 6.30% from the previous year’s Rs. 1.31 trillion. However, the rising exports have helped to partially offset the widening trade gap.

Overall, the data suggests that Nepal is seeing promising improvements in export performance, especially in agro-based and processed goods. With continued focus on export-driven policies and domestic production, the country could gradually reduce its reliance on imports and narrow the trade deficit in the coming years.