Nepal’s Imports Reach Rs 609 Billion in Four Months; Foreign Trade Up 24%, Trade Deficit Rises

Nepal imported goods worth Rs 609 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year (Shrawan to Kartik). According to the latest data published by the Department of Customs, imports during this period increased by nearly Rs 100 billion compared to the same period last year.

Last fiscal year, Nepal had imported Rs 513 billion worth of goods by the end of Kartik. This year, imports have grown by 18.71 percent. Although the growth rate had remained around 20 percent until Ashoj, the overall import growth has slowed slightly by the end of Kartik.

Nepal’s exports have also shown strong improvement.
Last year, exports totaled Rs 52.67 billion by Kartik, whereas this year the figure has climbed to Rs 93.49 billion, marking a sharp 77 percent increase.
However, export growth during Shrawan–Ashoj was higher at 90 percent, indicating a slight slowdown in the last month.

Nepal’s overall international trade increased by 24 percent, reaching more than Rs 702 billion within the first four months. Both import and export expansion contributed to the growth in total trade volume.

Despite export growth, Nepal’s trade deficit continues to widen.
The deficit reached Rs 515 billion, up from Rs 460 billion in the same period last year. This represents a 12 percent increase in the trade deficit.

Nepal’s export share in total trade has improved from 9 percent last year to 13 percent this year, which is considered a positive development.
Likewise, the share of imports has decreased from 90 percent to 86 percent, indicating a gradual shift toward a more balanced trade structure.