Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has made public its economic and financial situation based on the data for the first seven months of the current fiscal year. According to the central bank, total merchandise imports increased by 0.01% to Rs. 803.64 billion in the first seven months of the current fiscal year. Such imports had decreased by 3.6% in the corresponding period of the previous year. Imports from India increased by 7.1%. However, imports from China and other countries declined by 12.4% and 10.8% respectively.

On commodity basis, rice, crude soybean oil, M.S. Imports of goods including billets, gold, telecommunication equipment and spare parts have increased. Imports of petroleum products, aircraft parts, crude palm oil, other machinery and parts, video, television and spare parts declined.

 Total merchandise exports increased by 7.6% to Rs. 69.92 billion in the first seven months of the current Fiscal Year. Exports had increased by 22.4 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. On a destination basis, exports to India and other countries increased by 10% and 4.9%, respectively.

However, exports to China declined by 47.7%. On commodity basis, exports of soybean oil, cardamom, jute goods, pashmina, yarn (polyester and others) have increased. Exports of palm oil, pulses, zinc sheets, juice, wire and other commodities have declined.