KATHMANDU: Nepal’s trade report reveals troubling trends in the economy in the first two months of the fiscal year 2024/25.
The trade deficit, defined as the gap between imports and exports, has widened by approximately 1.78 percent.
During this time, imports rose by about 1.08 percent, totaling around Rs. 26.2 trillion, compared to Rs. 25.9 trillion in the same period last year.
Key imported items included mineral fuels, iron and steel, electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, and vehicles, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences and industrial needs.
In contrast, exports amounted to Rs. 25.09 billion through mid-August-mid-September, primarily driven by sectors such as coffee, tea and spices, carpets, and man-made staple fibers, which saw the highest export volumes.
However, exports have fallen by approximately 5.12 percent compared to last year’s Rs. 26.44 billion.
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