Kathmandu, July 22, 2025.
Nepal has witnessed a significant boost in its export trade, primarily driven by the export of soybean oil. Within just one fiscal year, Nepal exported soybean oil worth NPR 106.79 billion to India and Australia, contributing to an overall export increase of over NPR 125 billion.
According to data released by the Department of Customs on Tuesday, exports in fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25) surged by nearly 82%, marking the highest growth on record. Nepal’s total exports rose from NPR 152.38 billion in the previous year to NPR 277.03 billion this year — an increase of NPR 124.65 billion.
Soybean Oil Leads the Export Surge
President of the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs, Govinda Prasad Ghimire, stated that policy reforms and the rise in soybean oil exports were key contributors to this growth. “Post-COVID digital promotion and participation in international trade fairs also helped boost exports,” Ghimire said, adding, “There’s now a glimmer of hope in the export sector.”
However, he cautioned that the growth might not be sustainable since Nepal does not produce the raw material for soybean oil domestically. The crude oil is imported, processed, and re-exported. To expand market reach, the federation coordinated with diplomatic missions to invite international buyers to Nepal.
Top Exported Products (FY 2081/82):
Soybean Oil: NPR 106.79 billion
Sunflower Oil: NPR 12.32 billion
Large Cardamom: NPR 7.67 billion
Carpets: NPR 11.92 billion
Tea: NPR 4.59 billion
Chhurpi (Hardened Cheese): NPR 3.92 billion
Imports Also on the Rise
Alongside the surge in exports, imports increased by 13.25% in FY 2081/82. Nepal imported goods worth NPR 1.804 trillion, up from NPR 1.593 trillion in the previous year. The leading imported commodities were petroleum products:
Diesel: NPR 128.76 billion
Crude Soybean Oil: NPR 108.95 billion
Petrol: NPR 64.12 billion
LPG (Cooking Gas): NPR 62.58 billion
Trade Deficit Widens
Nepal’s total trade deficit now stands at NPR 1.527 trillion, up from NPR 1.440 trillion last year.
Total Foreign Trade: Increased by 19.24%, reaching NPR 2.081 trillion, up from NPR 1.745 trillion.
Bilateral Trade Deficits:
India: Nepal’s largest trade deficit is with India, amounting to NPR 846.51 billion.
Exports to India: NPR 224.68 billion
Imports from India: NPR 1.071 trillion
China: Trade deficit stands at NPR 338.47 billion.
Imports from China: NPR 341 billion
Exports to China: Only NPR 2.63 billion
Conclusion:
While the dramatic rise in exports is a positive development, experts warn it may not be sustainable without domestic production of raw materials and value-added strategies. To build a resilient export economy, Nepal must focus on self-sufficiency, diversification, and long-term trade planning.
