Aircraft Spare Parts Imports Soar 357% in FY 2025/26 – NRB Highlights Record Increase

Published on October 26, 2025

Nepal’s aviation sector has witnessed an extraordinary surge in imports of aircraft spare parts, with the latest Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Mid-September 2025/26 report revealing a massive 357.7% increase compared to the same period last fiscal year. During the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal imported Rs. 4.06 billion worth of aircraft spare parts, up from Rs. 886.6 million in FY 2024/25, marking the highest year-on-year growth in any major import category.

This sharp rise reflects the renewed maintenance and fleet modernization efforts of domestic airlines, which had slowed in previous years due to the pandemic’s economic impact and reduced international flight operations. With aviation activities rebounding and air traffic returning to pre-COVID levels, both domestic and international carriershave accelerated investments in aircraft maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement.

According to aviation industry insiders, major airlines such as Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, and Yeti Airlines have initiated large-scale engine overhauls, avionics upgrades, and spare parts procurement to comply with international safety standards and enhance fleet reliability. Furthermore, preparations for new aircraft acquisitions and the resumption of suspended international routes have driven demand for aviation components and ground support equipment.

The broader import context supports this trend. Nepal’s total imports reached Rs. 305.15 billion in the first two months of FY 2025/26, up 16.2% year-on-year. Within this, aircraft spare parts ranked among the fastest-growing import categories, alongside chemical fertilizers (+68.1%), transport equipment (+31.7%), and telecommunication equipment (+29.1%). This surge underscores the aviation industry’s growing capital investment and its role as a vital enabler of tourism, logistics, and international connectivity.

However, economists warn that the steep rise in aircraft-related imports could also increase pressure on Nepal’s trade deficit, as aviation equipment involves high-value foreign purchases. Experts suggest balancing such imports with aviation service exports, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities within Nepal, which could serve regional carriers and help offset foreign currency outflows.

NRB Report: Labour Migration to Saudi Arabia and Qatar Declines, Japan and Oman Surge

Overall, Nepal’s foreign-employment market continues to grow, though the direction of flow is changing. Declines in Saudi Arabia and Qatar are offset by sharp increases in Japan, Oman, and non-traditional markets, marking a gradual transition toward higher-skill and diversified overseas employment opportunities.

UAE Remains Top Job Destination for Nepali Workers with 37,381 Migrants in 2025/26

In FY 2025/26, the UAE remained Nepal’s top job destination, hosting 37,381 Nepali workers in the first two months alone — a 40% year-on-year increase. The Gulf region continues to absorb the majority of Nepali labor, with strong growth also seen in Japan and Cyprus. Total labor migration approvals (new and renewal) exceeded 136,000 during the review period.

Nepal’s Foreign Employment Rises 17.9% in FY 2025/26 – Over 90,000 Workers Leave in Two Months

In the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal sent 90,198 new workers abroad, up 17.9% year-on-year. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar remained the top destinations, while Japan and Cyprus showed growth. Including renewals, total foreign employment reached 1.36 lakh workers, highlighting Nepal’s ongoing dependence on labor migration for income and remittance.

NRB Report: Nepal’s Trade with China Expands Sharply as Industrial Imports Rise 32%

Nepal’s trade with China surged in early FY 2025/26, with imports up 25.1 percent to Rs 65.17 billion, led by a 32 percent rise in industrial imports. Key drivers included telecommunication equipment, fertilizers, solar panels, and machinery, marking a shift toward industrial investment — but also highlighting growing trade imbalance concerns.

Nepal Increases Imports of Telecommunication Equipment and Machinery from China by 52%

Nepal’s imports from China climbed to Rs 65.17 billion in the first two months of FY 2025/26, up 25 percent year-on-year, led by a 52.6 percent rise in telecommunication equipment and strong demand for industrial machinery. The surge reflects rising investments in technology and infrastructure but also adds to Nepal’s trade-deficit challenge.

Solar Panels, Wheat Products, and Chemical Fertilizer Drive Nepal-China Trade Growth

In FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25%, totaling Rs 65.17 billion, driven mainly by solar panels, wheat products, and chemical fertilizers. The surge highlights industrial recovery and the country’s push toward renewable energy, though it also increases Nepal’s trade deficit risk due to heavy reliance on Chinese imports.

NRB Data: Nepal’s Imports from China Reach Rs 65.2 Billion in Two Months, Up 25%

In the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25 percent, totaling Rs 65.2 billion. Growth was led by telecom equipment, fertilizers, solar panels, and PVC compounds, showing rising industrial and technology demand. While the expansion reflects economic momentum, it also deepens Nepal’s import dependency and trade-deficit concerns.

Nepal’s Imports from China Surge 25.1% in FY 2025/26 – Electronics and Machinery Lead Growth

Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25.1% in the first two months of FY 2025/26, reaching Rs. 65.17 billion, led by telecom equipment, fertilizers, machinery, and solar panels. This surge cements China’s role as Nepal’s second-largest trade partner and reflects rising industrial and technological demand.

Nepal Sees Import Boost in Vehicles (+33%) and Rice/Paddy (+68%) from India in 2025/26

In FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from India rose 8% to Rs. 173.54 billion, driven by strong growth in vehicle imports (+33%) and rice/paddy imports (+68%). The rise indicates revived consumer demand and agricultural dependency but also reinforces concerns about Nepal’s widening trade deficit with India.