Nepal Trade
Imports, exports, and trade balance
2023 Trade: Nepal imported $14.8B and exported only $1.6B — a trade deficit of $13.2B (~31% of GDP).
Trade Deficit (USD millions)
USD millions
🏛Dept. of Customs NepalUpdated: Dec 1, 2025
Absolute value of trade deficit (imports − exports). India accounts for ~54% of total imports.
Exports (USD millions)
USD millions
🏛Dept. of Customs NepalUpdated: Dec 1, 2025
Imports (USD millions)
USD millions
🏛Dept. of Customs NepalUpdated: Dec 1, 2025
India Import Dependency: India accounts for ~54% of total imports. Petroleum products ($1.4B), iron/steel ($700M), and vehicles ($500M) are top categories. Chemical fertilizers ($280M) create agricultural vulnerability.
Major Imports from India 2023
USD millions
Petroleum products
$1400MPetrol, diesel, LPG — price-controlled by IOC
Iron, steel & products
$700MConstruction and manufacturing input
Vehicles & spare parts
$500MTwo-wheelers, cars, trucks
Machinery & equipment
$450MIndustrial and agricultural machinery
Pharmaceutical products
$350MMedicines and healthcare
Chemical fertilizers
$280MUrea, DAP — agriculture input
Rice
$250MIndia is primary rice supplier
Sugar
$200MRaw and refined sugar
Major Exports 2023
USD millions
Palm oil (re-export)
$280MNepal imports and re-exports to India
Zinc sheets
$180M
Cardamom
$155MNepal is world's 3rd largest producer
Polyester yarn
$140M
Pashmina & handicrafts
$130M
Carpets (hand-knotted)
$125M
Tea
$80MOrthodox and CTC tea
Medicinal herbs
$75M
Trade Partners 2023 (% share)
| Country | Imports % | Exports % |
|---|---|---|
| India | 54% | 62% |
| China | 14% | 1% |
| UAE | 4% | 5% |
| USA | 2% | 9% |
| Europe | 3% | 11% |
| Other | 23% | 12% |
Source: Dept. of Customs Nepal / Nepal Trade Portal