By Sandeep Chaudhary
Nepal's Foreign Trade: A Detailed Analysis
In a comprehensive review of Nepal's foreign trade statistics, Table 8 reveals critical insights into the nation's export and import dynamics over recent years. The table highlights data for the fiscal years 2021/22 (revised), 2022/23 (revised), and the first nine months of 2023/24 (provisional), focusing on trade with India, China, and other countries.
Decline in Total Exports and Imports
In the first nine months of the fiscal year 2023/24, total exports from Nepal decreased by 3.7% to NPR 113,946 million compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The reduction in exports is attributed mainly to a significant drop in exports to India, which fell by 6.2%, amounting to NPR 77,855.3 million. Conversely, exports to China surged by 232%, reaching NPR 2,114.5 million, though they still represent a small fraction of total exports. Exports to other countries also saw a minor decline of 2.0%.
Total imports for the same period also witnessed a decline of 2.8%, totaling NPR 1,167,369.8 million. Imports from India fell by 3.2%, from NPR 753,751.5 million to NPR 729,658.5 million. Notably, imports from China increased significantly by 33.4%, amounting to NPR 216,769.5 million. However, imports from other countries dropped sharply by 22.6%.
Trade Balance Analysis
Nepal's trade balance remains in deficit, with the first nine months of 2023/24 showing a deficit of NPR 1,053,423.8 million. This deficit marks a 2.8% improvement compared to the same period in 2022/23. The trade deficit with India narrowed by 2.8%, and with other countries by 25.4%. However, the trade deficit with China widened by 32.7%, underscoring the growing reliance on Chinese imports.
Total Foreign Trade
Total foreign trade decreased by 2.9% in the first nine months of 2023/24, amounting to NPR 1,281,315.8 million. Trade with India, which constitutes the largest share, declined by 3.5% to NPR 807,513.8 million. Conversely, trade with China grew by 34.2%, reaching NPR 218,884.0 million. Trade with other countries fell by 20.3%.
Ratio of Exports to Imports
The ratio of exports to imports stood at 9.8% for the first nine months of 2023/24, consistent with the previous year's figure. This stability suggests that while both exports and imports have decreased, their relative proportions have remained the same.
Share in Total Export and Import
India remains Nepal's dominant trade partner, accounting for 68.3% of total exports and 62.5% of total imports. China's share in total imports increased to 18.6%, reflecting its growing influence on Nepal's trade. Other countries collectively accounted for 29.8% of exports and 18.9% of imports.
Conclusion
Nepal's foreign trade landscape is marked by a declining trend in both exports and imports, with significant fluctuations in trade relations with India and China. The rise in trade with China, particularly imports, highlights shifting economic dynamics. As Nepal navigates these changes, it remains crucial to balance trade relationships and explore new markets to enhance export performance and economic stability.
