Import vs Export Price Impact Nepal (2025/26)
Price movements in Nepal's imports and exports have significant real-world impacts. When export prices rise faster than import prices, Nepal benefits — and vice versa.
Price Index Trends (Base FY 2022/23=100)
Export Unit Value Index averaged 103.78 for 8M 2025/26, rising from 102.10 (Aug) to 105.75 (Mar). Import Unit Value Index averaged 97.04, rising from 96.43 to 98.88.
Real-World Impacts
Export Prices Rising (+3.57%):
- Soyabean oil export value increased significantly despite similar volumes
- Cardamom prices surged (+62.68% in value) — global demand driving prices up
- Higher export prices mean more foreign exchange earned per unit exported
Import Prices Rising (+2.54%):
- Petroleum: flat in USD terms but costlier in NPR due to depreciation
- Chemical fertilizer imports surged +126.52% partly due to price increases
- Silver imports jumped +508.12% — global precious metal price surge
- Overall import bill: Rs. 1,289,250M (+12.54%) growing due to both volume and price effects
Net Effect
Export prices are rising slightly faster than import prices (3.57% vs 2.54%), which is mildly positive for Nepal's trade position. However, since Nepal imports 6.7x more than it exports, even a small import price increase has a much larger absolute impact than an equal export price increase.
Conclusion
Nepal benefits marginally from favorable price movements but the massive trade volume imbalance means import price increases have outsized effects. Currency depreciation amplifies import cost increases while boosting export price competitiveness only marginally.