Kathmandu. 5.60 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. According to the data released by Nepal Rastra Bank, total merchandise exports increased by 5.1 percent to Rs. 50.06 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. Such exports had increased by 27.0 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. On a destination basis, exports to India and other countries increased by 8.6 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively, while exports to China declined by 55.2 percent. On commodity basis, exports of cardamom, jute goods, yarn (polyester and others), noodles, pashmina and other commodities have increased while exports of palm oil, pulses, zinc sheets, woolen carpets, textiles and other commodities have declined. Imports declined by 9.6 percent to Rs. 525.50 billion. Such imports had decreased by 4.2 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. Imports from India, China and other countries declined by 1.1 percent, 24.4 percent and 20.8 percent, respectively. On commodity basis crude soybean oil, rice, M.S. Imports of billets, telecommunication equipment and spare parts, coal and other commodities have increased while imports of petroleum products, aircraft parts, crude palm oil, other machinery and spare parts, means of transportation and spare parts have declined.