Non-domestic goods dominate Nepal’s exports as high-value products struggle
Summary
High-value exports under Nepal Trade Integrated Strategy 2023 rose only 3.16 percent last fiscal year, far below overall export growth driven largely by re-exported edible oil. Carpet, tea, steel, cement and spices all declined, while items such as large cardamom, ginger, footwear and pasta recorded strong gains.
Key Points
- Nepal’s NTIS-listed high-value exports increased only 3.16 percent to Rs104.62 billion, while overall exports jumped 13.81 percent, driven mainly by edible oil re-exports.
- Industry representatives blame weak coordination, policy instability and frequent bureaucratic changes for the slow progress of the export strategy.
- Carpet, tea, iron and steel products, cement and spices all saw declines, with trade barriers, certification delays and foreign safeguard duties hurting shipments.
- Large cardamom, ginger, footwear, pashmina, jute products and pasta posted notable export growth during the year.
