KATHMANDU, Jan 25: In just six months, Nepalis have consumed imported chocolates valued at Rs 1.55 billion, according to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday.
From mid-July to mid-January, a total of 3,167 metric tons (31.67 million kg) of chocolates from various international brands were imported and consumed in Nepal. Of this, chewing gum chocolates alone accounted for 254,128 kg, worth Rs 125.5 million.
Chocolate, chocolate and some more chocolate
The customs data show that chocolates ranging from affordable to premium imported varieties were brought into the country during this period. These came from countries including India, Australia, Thailand, China, UAE, the UK, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, the US, Israel, France, Turkey, Italy, Poland, and Switzerland.
About two-thirds of the chocolates imported came from India, roughly a quarter from China, and the rest from other countries. Most chewing gum chocolates were also sourced from India.
While Nepal imports chocolates in large quantities, a small portion is also exported. In the past six months, Nepal exported chocolates worth Rs 5.667 million, totaling 19,809 kg, primarily to India. Other export destinations included Australia, the US, Qatar, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, France, and Indonesia, totaling 1,035 kg worth Rs 0.588 million.
