Imports via Birgunj Customs Rise 15.3% in First Half of FY 2082/83

Imports through the Birgunj customs point have recorded a notable increase during the first six months of the current fiscal year 2082/83, reflecting a rebound in trade activities. According to officials, goods and commodities worth Rs 438.21 billion were imported via Birgunj during the review period, marking a 15.3 percent rise compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. In the corresponding six months of the last fiscal year, total imports through this major trade gateway stood at Rs 380.6 billion.

Providing details, Information Officer of the Birgunj Customs Office, Udaya Singh Bista, said the growth in imports over the past six months has been encouraging. He attributed the increase to higher demand for industrial inputs, fuel, and consumer-related goods, as well as improved trade momentum following earlier economic slowdowns. Birgunj remains Nepal’s largest and most strategic customs point, handling a significant share of the country’s imports from India and beyond.

Among the major imported items, petroleum products topped the list, with imports valued at Rs 90.6 billion during the period. The continued high volume of fuel imports underscores Nepal’s dependence on petroleum to meet transportation, industrial, and household energy needs. Similarly, imports of iron and iron products amounted to Rs 39.3 billion, indicating steady demand from the construction and infrastructure sectors.

In addition to fuel and iron, other key import commodities through Birgunj included machinery and auto parts, soybean oil, electrical machinery, and various electrical goods and appliances. Officials noted that the rise in machinery and auto parts imports reflects ongoing activities in manufacturing, construction, and transportation, while the import of electrical goods points to growing urban consumption and infrastructure development.

Customs officials believe the upward trend in imports suggests a gradual economic recovery and increased business confidence. However, they also emphasized the need to strengthen export performance and promote domestic production to balance the trade deficit. Birgunj customs point is expected to continue playing a crucial role in Nepal’s foreign trade in the coming months, given its connectivity, infrastructure, and high volume of cargo movement.