Imports Exceed NPR 822 Billion in Six Months, Birgunj Customs Leads the Chart
Author
Dipesh Ghimire
Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal's total imports through its major customs points reached a staggering NPR 822.37 billion in the first six months of the fiscal year 2024/25. According to data from the Department of Customs, Birgunj Customs Office recorded the highest imports, reinforcing its position as the country’s primary trade gateway.
Birgunj Customs Tops the List
Among Nepal's customs offices, Birgunj Customs Office registered the highest imports, amounting to NPR 275.70 billion. The Birgunj-Raxaul trade route, which connects Nepal to India, remains the busiest entry point for goods entering Nepal, playing a crucial role in the country’s economy.
Bhairahawa and Dry Port Customs Follow
Following Birgunj, Bhairahawa Customs Office secured the second spot, with imports totaling NPR 126.27 billion, while Dry Port Customs Office (Inland Clearance Depot) ranked third, handling imports worth NPR 103.88 billion.
Breakdown of Imports Across Major Customs Offices
According to the government report, the import values through Nepal's key customs points are as follows:
Birgunj Customs Office – NPR 275.70 billion
Bhairahawa Customs Office – NPR 126.27 billion
Dry Port Customs Office – NPR 103.88 billion
Biratnagar Customs Office – NPR 89.41 billion
Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office – NPR 68.58 billion
Rasuwa Customs Office – NPR 40.82 billion
Nepalgunj Customs Office – NPR 35.30 billion
Tatopani Customs Office – NPR 25.11 billion
Mechi Customs Office – NPR 23.07 billion
Krishnanagar Customs Office – NPR 10.98 billion
Kailali Customs Office – NPR 11.01 billion
Jaleshwor Customs Office – NPR 5.08 billion
Kanchanpur Customs Office – NPR 965 million
Others – NPR 5.39 billion
Growing Import Dependence and Trade Deficit
Nepal's high import volume highlights the country’s heavy reliance on foreign goods, exacerbating its growing trade deficit. Experts have raised concerns over Nepal’s inability to boost exports, urging the government to implement policies that promote domestic industries and reduce dependency on imports.
In response, the government is exploring measures to address the trade imbalance by encouraging domestic production, restricting unnecessary imports, and fostering export-oriented industries. Economic analysts emphasize that achieving long-term economic stability requires strategic investments in Nepal’s manufacturing sector, infrastructural development, and industrialization.
