नेपाली चियाको निर्यातमा भन्सार दरको फरक–फरक प्रभावDifferent Tariff Rates Affect Nepal Tea Exports

Nepali tea has been reaching markets across the world, but exporters do not receive the same trade facilities in every country. Tariff rates vary from one importing country to another, directly affecting the cost and competitiveness of Nepali tea in international markets.

According to data from the Trade and Export Promotion Centre, several countries provide zero-tariff access to tea exported from Nepal. These include India, China, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Malta and Macau, among others.

However, Nepali tea does not enjoy the same benefit in all markets. Sri Lanka imposes a 20 percent customs duty on Nepali tea, while Pakistan charges 10 percent. Similarly, the United Kingdom applies a 6.82 percent tariff, Russia 6.75 percent and the United Arab Emirates 5 percent.

India remains the largest market for Nepali tea. Although India provides zero-tariff access, Nepali exporters continue to face other challenges in the trade process. In the fiscal year 2081/82, Nepal exported tea worth around Rs 10.38 billion to India. Germany, the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands are also among the major destinations for Nepali tea.

Trade experts say that low or zero customs duty alone is not enough to expand exports. Quality certification, health and plant safety standards, laboratory testing, packaging requirements and other technical barriers also play a major role in international trade.

In recent times, Nepali tea exporters have faced additional difficulties after India tightened its quality testing procedures. Traders say such non-tariff barriers can delay shipments and increase costs even when customs duties are low.

As Nepal prepares to graduate from the least developed country category, some of the trade preferences currently available to Nepali products may gradually decline. Experts say this makes it necessary for Nepal to focus on improving quality, strengthening branding, adding value and exploring new markets.

They also argue that Nepal cannot gain full benefit from tea exports by relying only on raw or bulk tea sales. Exporting processed, packaged and branded tea with a distinct Nepali identity could help the country increase its earnings and strengthen its position in the global market.