Nepal’s Import Basket Expands with Vegetables and Rice Imports Rising 45–68%

Published on October 26, 2025

Nepal’s import composition has broadened notably in the first two months of FY 2025/26, with a strong rise in agricultural imports, particularly vegetables and rice, according to the latest Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Mid-September 2025/26 report. Total imports during this period reached Rs. 305.15 billion, up 16.2% year-on-year, reflecting increasing domestic demand and a seasonal shortfall in local agricultural production.

The data shows that vegetable imports surged 44.8%, totaling Rs. 2.97 billion, compared to Rs. 2.05 billion during the same period last year. Similarly, rice and paddy imports jumped an even higher 67.8%, reaching Rs. 5.60 billion, up from Rs. 3.34 billion the previous year. These figures highlight Nepal’s continued dependence on imported food staples to bridge domestic supply gaps caused by delayed harvests, reduced productivity, and unpredictable monsoon patterns.

Economists point out that these increases coincide with a slow agricultural recovery following input shortages in previous years, as well as the rising cost of imported fertilizers and seeds. Demand for rice, in particular, has grown in urban centers where population density and consumption are high. Meanwhile, vegetable imports have expanded due to seasonal supply fluctuations and high cross-border trade with India — Nepal’s primary source for perishable goods.

Beyond food items, Nepal’s broader import structure shows growth across several other sectors. Petroleum products led the import chart with Rs. 39.57 billion (13% share), followed by crude soybean oil (Rs. 21.64 billion) and transport equipment (Rs. 20.58 billion). The fertilizer import bill also surged 68.1%, reflecting robust government procurement for the farming season. Collectively, these trends indicate that while Nepal’s economy is regaining momentum, import dependence — especially for food and energy — remains a structural challenge.

Analysts emphasize the need for agricultural self-sufficiency programs, including investment in irrigation, cold storage, and crop diversification, to reduce reliance on food imports. Strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting farmers through price stability mechanisms could help stabilize import bills and protect Nepal’s trade balance over the long term.

NRB Report: Labour Migration to Saudi Arabia and Qatar Declines, Japan and Oman Surge

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UAE Remains Top Job Destination for Nepali Workers with 37,381 Migrants in 2025/26

In FY 2025/26, the UAE remained Nepal’s top job destination, hosting 37,381 Nepali workers in the first two months alone — a 40% year-on-year increase. The Gulf region continues to absorb the majority of Nepali labor, with strong growth also seen in Japan and Cyprus. Total labor migration approvals (new and renewal) exceeded 136,000 during the review period.

Nepal’s Foreign Employment Rises 17.9% in FY 2025/26 – Over 90,000 Workers Leave in Two Months

In the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal sent 90,198 new workers abroad, up 17.9% year-on-year. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar remained the top destinations, while Japan and Cyprus showed growth. Including renewals, total foreign employment reached 1.36 lakh workers, highlighting Nepal’s ongoing dependence on labor migration for income and remittance.

NRB Report: Nepal’s Trade with China Expands Sharply as Industrial Imports Rise 32%

Nepal’s trade with China surged in early FY 2025/26, with imports up 25.1 percent to Rs 65.17 billion, led by a 32 percent rise in industrial imports. Key drivers included telecommunication equipment, fertilizers, solar panels, and machinery, marking a shift toward industrial investment — but also highlighting growing trade imbalance concerns.

Nepal Increases Imports of Telecommunication Equipment and Machinery from China by 52%

Nepal’s imports from China climbed to Rs 65.17 billion in the first two months of FY 2025/26, up 25 percent year-on-year, led by a 52.6 percent rise in telecommunication equipment and strong demand for industrial machinery. The surge reflects rising investments in technology and infrastructure but also adds to Nepal’s trade-deficit challenge.

Solar Panels, Wheat Products, and Chemical Fertilizer Drive Nepal-China Trade Growth

In FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25%, totaling Rs 65.17 billion, driven mainly by solar panels, wheat products, and chemical fertilizers. The surge highlights industrial recovery and the country’s push toward renewable energy, though it also increases Nepal’s trade deficit risk due to heavy reliance on Chinese imports.

NRB Data: Nepal’s Imports from China Reach Rs 65.2 Billion in Two Months, Up 25%

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Nepal’s Imports from China Surge 25.1% in FY 2025/26 – Electronics and Machinery Lead Growth

Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25.1% in the first two months of FY 2025/26, reaching Rs. 65.17 billion, led by telecom equipment, fertilizers, machinery, and solar panels. This surge cements China’s role as Nepal’s second-largest trade partner and reflects rising industrial and technological demand.

Nepal Sees Import Boost in Vehicles (+33%) and Rice/Paddy (+68%) from India in 2025/26

In FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from India rose 8% to Rs. 173.54 billion, driven by strong growth in vehicle imports (+33%) and rice/paddy imports (+68%). The rise indicates revived consumer demand and agricultural dependency but also reinforces concerns about Nepal’s widening trade deficit with India.