KATHMANDU: Nepal’s trade deficit widened by nearly 15 percent in the first ten months of fiscal year 2082/83 BS, reflecting growing pressure on the country’s external trade balance despite an increase in exports.
According to the latest trade report, the deficit increased by around 14.92 percent as imports continued to rise sharply. During the review period, Nepal imported goods worth approximately Rs 1.69 trillion, marking a 14.82 percent increase compared to imports worth Rs 1.47 trillion during the same period last fiscal year.
Major imported commodities included mineral fuels and oils, animal and vegetable fats and oils, iron and steel, as well as boilers, machinery, and mechanical equipment. The rise in these imports indicates increasing domestic consumption and industrial demand.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s exports reached Rs 2.48 kharba by the month of Baisakh. Key export items included animal and vegetable fats and oils, coffee, tea and spices, man-made staple fibres, carpets, apparel, and clothing accessories.
Exports also recorded a positive growth of around 14.25 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, when Nepal’s exports stood at Rs 2.17 kharba during the same period.
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