The NEPSE Journal
Market commentary, data deep-dives, and trading notes from the NEPSE Trading desk.
Nepal’s pharmaceutical imports rose by 1.4% in 2025/26, underlining continued dependency on foreign medicines. Limited domestic capacity and weak industrial policy mean local production still lags far behind demand.
Nepal’s sponge iron imports grew by 4.9% in 2025/26, highlighting steady demand from construction and infrastructure projects. But global price volatility and dependence on imports continue to pose risks for the steel sector.
Nepal’s telecom equipment imports fell by 8.3% in 2025/26, reflecting market maturity, financial constraints, and shifting focus toward digital services. But experts warn that underinvestment may delay 5G rollout and digital transformation.
Machinery imports fell by 14.7% in 2025/26, mainly due to weak industrial demand, tighter monetary policy, and fewer new infrastructure projects. Experts warn this could affect Nepal’s long-term industrial growth and competitiveness.
Nepal’s chemical fertilizer imports rose by 12.8% in early 2025/26, reflecting farmers’ growing demand. While this can help boost crop productivity, dependence on imports creates risks for food security and trade balance.
Nepal’s vehicle and spare parts imports jumped 30.6% in early 2025/26, highlighting recovering consumer demand, bank-driven financing, and growth in transport sectors. But this rapid rise could worsen the trade deficit, raising questions about long-term sustainability.
Nepal’s crude soyabean oil imports soared by 708%, driven by refinery demand, tariff incentives, and changing food consumption patterns, making it the second-largest item in Nepal’s import basket.
Nepal’s exports to other countries fell by Rs. 4.4 billion (-6.5%) in 2025/26, driven by weaker demand for traditional goods. Growth in herbs and noodles shows processed foods and natural products as future export drivers.
Nepal’s readymade garments exports rose 2.5% in 2025/26 to Rs. 519.4 million, signaling early recovery. To maintain momentum, the sector needs policy reforms, modernization, and market diversification.
