Banking News – Nepal’s tea exports to India through the eastern Kakarbhitta border declined significantly in the fiscal year 2025/26 (FY 2082/83), with both export volume and earnings falling compared to the previous fiscal year.

According to the Kakarbhitta Customs Office, Nepal exported 13,045 metric tons of tea worth Rs. 3.53 billion during FY 2025/26. In comparison, exports in FY 2024/25 (FY 2081/82) totaled 15,311 metric tons valued at Rs. 4.17 billion.

The decline resulted in a revenue loss of approximately Rs. 639.7 million from tea exports over the one-year period.

Chief Customs Administrator Shivlal Neupane said tea remains the second-largest export commodity through the Kakarbhitta customs point after large cardamom. He attributed the decline to fluctuations in the Indian market, non-tariff barriers related to quality inspections, and changes in international demand and pricing.

India continues to be the primary export destination for Nepali tea, with a substantial share of the country’s CTC and orthodox tea shipments passing through the Kakarbhitta border.

Industry observers say the decline in tea exports could negatively affect tea farmers, processors, exporters, and Nepal’s overall foreign trade earnings, highlighting the need to strengthen export competitiveness and diversify international markets.