Exports through the Mechi Customs Office saw significant fluctuations in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25, with tea exports registering a notable surge of 32.5%, according to data released by the office.
Tea exports, a major contributor to Nepal’s agro-based foreign trade, reached a value of Rs 4.21 billion, up from Rs 3.17 billion in the previous fiscal year. The total volume of tea exported stood at 15,416.76 metric tons, reflecting a robust demand for Nepali tea in international markets. Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain confirmed the strong performance, highlighting it as a bright spot in the region’s export profile.
In contrast, cardamom exports declined by 3.2%, with the value falling from Rs 7.93 billion to Rs 7.67 billion. The drop in cardamom exports comes amid falling market prices, which have caused concern among local farmers in eastern Nepal, many of whom depend heavily on the spice for their livelihoods.
Aside from tea and cardamom, several non-agricultural and semi-processed goods showed varied performance. Exports of veneer sheets grew by a staggering 72.3%, becoming one of the fastest-growing export categories through the customs office. Iron plate exports rose by 1.8%, and plywood exports increased by 7.6%. Notably, molasses exports soared by 247.5%, indicating expanding trade in processed byproducts.
On the downside, multiple key agricultural and raw materials saw a sharp decline. Ginger exports dropped by 60.7%, broom grass fell by 14.9%, clinker (used in cement production) was down 13%, and churpi (hardened cheese) declined by 1.5%.
Despite the mixed performance across sectors, the total value of exports facilitated through Mechi Customs amounted to Rs 25.13 billion for FY 2024/25. The surge in tea and veneer exports helped cushion the overall performance, even as several traditional export commodities faced market or production challenges.
The data underscores Nepal’s continued reliance on specific agricultural and forest-based exports, while also highlighting the need to diversify and stabilize trade in other commodities to ensure balanced export growth.
