Kathmandu, Feb. 26: Nepal’s agricultural imports have continued to exceed its exports, with a trade gap of Rs. 78 billion recorded in the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2024/25, according to data from the Department of Customs.
During this period, Nepal imported agricultural goods worth Rs. 205 billion, while total agricultural exports stood at Rs. 127 billion. The data indicates a 36.6% increase in agricultural imports compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year when imports totaled Rs. 150 billion.
Similarly, exports have also grown, rising by 46% compared to the same period last fiscal year. Nepal exported agricultural products worth Rs. 86.83 billion in the first seven months of the last fiscal year. However, the trade imbalance remains significant despite the rise in exports.
Cereal Imports Increase
Nepal imported cereals worth Rs. 36.35 billion in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, marking a 32% increase compared to the same period in the previous year when cereal imports stood at Rs. 28.20 billion.
Rice and paddy imports were the highest among cereals, reaching Rs. 25.37 billion, compared to Rs. 13.10 billion in the same period last year. Additionally, wheat imports amounted to Rs. 268 million, while maize imports totaled Rs. 10.07 billion. Other imported grains included millet (Rs. 520 million), buckwheat (Rs. 94 million), and barley (Rs. 18 million).
Increase in Crude Oil Imports
The import of crude soybean and sunflower oil also saw a significant rise. Nepal imported crude soybean oil worth Rs. 38.34 billion and sunflower oil worth Rs. 17.33 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year. In comparison, during the same period last year, soybean oil imports were valued at Rs. 8.57 billion, and sunflower oil at Rs. 9.69 billion. This represents an increase of nearly 450% in crude soybean oil imports and 79% in sunflower oil imports.
Crude palm oil imports during the review period amounted to Rs. 7.23 billion.
Vegetable and Lentil Imports
The country imported vegetables and lentils worth Rs. 25.87 billion in the first seven months of the fiscal year. Among these, potato imports totaled Rs. 5.49 billion, tomato imports stood at Rs. 418 million, and onion imports reached Rs. 2.14 billion.
Garlic imports were valued at Rs. 6.26 billion, while dried chickpeas and dried beans were imported at Rs. 1.81 billion and Rs. 2.57 billion, respectively. Red lentil imports amounted to Rs. 3.97 billion during the review period.
Fruit Imports Total Rs. 9.5 Billion
Nepal imported fruits worth Rs. 9.5 billion in the first seven months of the fiscal year. Among the imported fruits, apples accounted for the highest volume, with 46.66 million kilograms valued at Rs. 5 billion.
Other fruit imports included oranges (Rs. 592 million), guavas and mangoes (Rs. 491 million), lemons (Rs. 278 million), grapes (Rs. 501 million), and pomegranates (Rs. 509 million).
Trade Imbalance in Agriculture
Despite the growth in exports, the rising import figures highlight Nepal’s continued reliance on foreign agricultural products. The data underscores the trade imbalance in the agricultural sector, reflecting the need for strategies to enhance domestic production and reduce dependency on imports.
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