Nepal's Trade Deficit Widens 15.67% in Jestha as Imports Surge to Rs. 18.94 Kharba

The trade deficit in Nepal has expanded by nearly 15.67% in the eleventh month (Jestha) of the fiscal year 2082/83, as the pace of import growth remained faster than export growth  indicating ongoing structural challenges in the country's external trade balance. 

Import trends:

Imports increased from Rs. 16.44 Kharba to Rs. 18.94 Kharba during the same period of last fiscal year  a growth of 15.16%.

The main contributors to the rise were mineral fuels and mineral oils, animal or vegetable fats and oils, iron and steel boilers machinery, and mechanical appliances. The increase in these categories is a reflection of growing consumer interest and industrial expansion activities in the country.

Export trends:

Exports stood at Rs. 2.77 Kharba, which is 12.28% higher than the Rs. 2.47 Kharba recorded in the same time period of FY 2081/82.

Main export items were animal or vegetable fats and oils, coffee tea and spices, man-made staple fibres, carpets, and apparel and clothing accessories. Although the growth in exports is a good sign, the difference in volume between imports and exports still remains significant.