BIRGUNJ, Jan 23: Nepal’s trade via Birgunj customs has seen a remarkable surge in the first six months of the current Fiscal Year (FY), with goods worth Rs 48.1 billion exported to foreign countries.
Compared to the same period last year, this represents a 52 percent increase, translating to an additional Rs 16.43 billion in exports. In the corresponding six months of the previous fiscal year, exports through this key trade gateway totaled Rs 31.67 billion, according to Uday Singh Bista, spokesperson for the Birgunj Customs Office.
A closer look at the export items shows that processed soybean oil led the way, contributing Rs 25.42 billion to the total export value. Other notable exports included fruit juices worth Rs 3.48 billion and processed sunflower oil valued at Rs 3.55 billion. Palm oil processing also contributed Rs 2.25 billion in exports, while various types of clothing products added another Rs 1.78 billion to the tally.
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Birgunj, being a major trade hub connecting Nepal with India and beyond, plays a critical role in the country’s export economy. Officials attribute the rise to a combination of increasing demand for Nepali agricultural and processed products in foreign markets and improved export management at the customs office.
“This growth reflects both the efforts of our exporters and strategic planning at customs to ensure smoother clearance and faster processing of goods,” Bista said. “With the demand for processed agricultural products rising internationally, we are seeing new opportunities for Nepali products, particularly in edible oils and juices.”
The surge in exports also highlights a broader trend in Nepal’s trade landscape, with processed goods gradually gaining a larger share in international markets compared to raw commodities. Traders and industry experts suggest that continued investment in packaging, quality standards, and cold-chain logistics could further boost the country’s export potential.
With half of the fiscal year already gone, Birgunj remains a vital artery for Nepal’s trade ambitions, and authorities are confident that exports will continue to grow if the momentum is maintained in the coming months.
