Abhiyan Dahal

Kathmandu, January 22, 2025: Nepal’s trade deficit has reached Rs 723.58 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year, reflecting a 4.4%increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). In contrast, the trade deficit had declined by 2.6%t during the corresponding period of the previous year.

The export-import ratio improved to 12%, up from 9.8 % in the previous fiscal year. Merchandise exports recorded a notable rise of 31.8 %, reaching Rs 98.79 billion, reversing the 7.2 % decline observed in the same period last year.

According to the Department of Customs, Nepal’s total foreign trade volume stood at Rs 921.16 billion in the first half of the fiscal year. Imports increased by 7 % year-on-year, totalling Rs 822.37 billion, while exports grew by 31.78 % to Rs 98.79 billion. Despite this improvement, the trade deficit widened by 4.38 %.

India and China remain Nepal’s largest trading partners. Imports from India reached Rs 502.8 billion, while exports to India amounted to Rs 73.71 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of Rs 429.14 billion. Meanwhile, Nepal’s trade deficit with China stood at Rs 158.62 billion.