Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal recorded encouraging foreign trade growth in the first month of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (Nepali year 2082/83), with exports showing a remarkable 95.75% surge compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Customs. Imports also increased by 11.42%, widening the trade deficit slightly.
The department’s data shows that Nepal imported goods worth NPR 143.06 billion in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August), while exports reached NPR 23.93 billion. This marks a significant improvement from last year’s same month performance.
In Shrawan of the last fiscal year 2024/25 (2081/82), Nepal had imported goods worth NPR 128.37 billion and exported only NPR 12.22 billion. The near doubling of exports this year highlights a positive shift in Nepal’s international trade performance.
However, despite the strong growth in exports, Nepal’s imports still remain considerably higher, pushing the trade deficit further. The trade deficit rose by 2.55% to NPR 119.10 billion in Shrawan, compared to NPR 116.15 billion in the same period last year.
According to the Department of Customs, the import-export ratio improved to 5.98 in Shrawan from 10.50 a year earlier, showing progress in reducing the trade imbalance. Likewise, the share of exports in Nepal’s total foreign trade has climbed to 14.33%, up from 8.70% last year.
Trade analysts note that while the sharp increase in exports is encouraging, Nepal must adopt long-term trade and industrial policies to sustain the momentum. Priority sectors such as hydropower exports, agricultural products, information technology services, and tourism-related industries could help further diversify Nepal’s export base.
Economists also stress that sustained export growth can improve Nepal’s investment climate, attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), support industrial production, and strengthen foreign currency reserves.
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