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

Nepal Rastra Bank’s Macroeconomic Report for Mid-September FY 2025/26 shows that Nepal’s imports from Chinahave expanded sharply, underscoring deeper economic ties and strong post-pandemic industrial recovery.
During the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal imported goods worth Rs 65.17 billion, up 25.1 percent compared with Rs 52.10 billion in the same period of FY 2024/25. Imports of telecommunication equipment, fertilizers, machinery, solar panels, and PVC compounds drove this growth, reinforcing China’s position as Nepal’s second-largest trade partner.

According to NRB’s Table 20, imports of major commodities rose by 31.9 percent, reaching Rs 48.15 billion, while other items increased by 9.2 percent to Rs 17.02 billion. Telecommunication equipment and parts surged by 52.6 percent to Rs 8.06 billion, showing rapid expansion in the telecom and digital infrastructure sector. Similarly, chemical fertilizer imports rose to Rs 13.66 billion, supporting agricultural demand, while solar panels jumped by 135 percent as Nepal’s renewable-energy projects gained momentum. Imports of PVC compounds (+198 percent) and electrical goods (+3.8 percent) also expanded, reflecting higher construction and industrial activity.

However, several traditional consumer-based imports fell sharply — readymade garments (–41.5 percent), shoes and sandals (–54.4 percent), and metal furniture (–42.8 percent) — indicating a shift toward industrial and technology-driven imports. Similarly, garlic (–83 percent) and raw wool (–99 percent) showed significant declines, suggesting lower consumer and manufacturing demand in these categories.

Economists note that this import surge demonstrates Nepal’s strengthening industrial base but also signals mounting pressure on the trade deficit, given that exports to China remain minimal compared to import volumes. The trend also highlights Nepal’s growing dependency on Chinese electronic, chemical, and industrial inputs for infrastructure, telecom, and manufacturing sectors.