4 years ago
Import of mobile phones topped the list of most imported products in Nepal in terms of monetary value, putting it ahead of diesel, traditionally the imported product with the most value.
In the first three months of the current fiscal year 2077/78, Nepal imported more than 11 billion rupees worth of mobile phones, according to the customs department.
Statistics show that 1.5 million two thousand mobile phones have been imported till September with the increase in online classes and festive atmosphere.
Imports of mobile phones, which had earlier declined due to limited international trade, have skyrocketed in the first three months of the current fiscal year.
The market for mobile phones also seems to have flourished after community and private schools implemented online education systems. The list of major imports includes semi-processed iron and steel after mobile phones.
The import of these items from Shrawan to Asoj has exceeded Rs. 9.85 billion. After them, diesel imports have reached Rs 8.96 billion, while raw soybean imports have reached Rs 7.16 billion. After that rice is in the fifth position with imported value at 6.99 billion.
Decreased Import, Increasing Imports
The latest trend in international trade has continued in the first three months of the current fiscal year. Exports increased by 14.28 percent to over Rs 31 billion compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, mainly soybean oil, black tea, cardamom, carpets and yarn were exported. Out of the total exports, the export of these items alone is around Rs. 13 billion.
The decline in imports and the improvement in exports have reduced the trade deficit. The trade deficit for the three months reached Rs 261 billion, down 15.13 percent from the previous year. This news has been reported in Gorkhapatra daily.
