Nepal’s trade deficit reached Rs 119.10 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year, marking a 2.55 percent rise compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Customs (DoC). The deficit stood at Rs 116.15 billion during mid-July to mid-August in the previous fiscal year.

Data shows Nepal incurred the largest deficit with neighboring India, amounting to Rs 64.08 billion. Imports from India totaled Rs 83.53 billion, while exports stood at Rs 19.45 billion. Trade with China also remained heavily imbalanced, with imports of Rs 27.99 billion against exports worth just Rs 54.8 million, resulting in a Rs 27.99 billion deficit.

Despite the overall negative balance, Nepal recorded trade surpluses with several countries, including Germany, Afghanistan, the United States, Russia, Belgium, and Norway.