The NEPSE Journal
Market commentary, data deep-dives, and trading notes from the NEPSE Trading desk.
Nepal’s thread imports dipped by 0.6% in 2025/26, reflecting subdued garment demand and industry challenges. But experts say it also opens the door for local producers to focus on niche markets and domestic fashion growth.
Nepal’s coal imports rose by 53.2% in 2025/26, driven by cement and brick industry demand. While necessary for industrial growth, the trend highlights challenges of import dependency, rising costs, and environmental sustainability.
Nepal’s electrical equipment imports rose 7.5% in 2025/26, reflecting rapid energy expansion and electrification. But high dependence on imports raises concerns about cost, sustainability, and trade balance.
Readymade garment imports dropped by 18.3% in 2025/26, reflecting rising local production, second-hand fashion trends, and weaker purchasing power. Nepal’s clothing market is shifting toward affordability, sustainability, and homegrown brands.
Nepal’s rice imports rose by 45.9% in early 2025/26, underscoring falling domestic productivity, rising demand, and policy failures. Experts say true self-sufficiency in food grains is possible only with long-term investment and reform in agriculture.
Textile imports in Nepal surged by 20% in 2025/26, reflecting booming demand in fashion and retail. But the trend also exposes challenges for domestic textile production and trade balance.
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.