Since agricultural and herbal products formed the major chunk of exports, the decline has widened the trade deficit with India. [break]
Statistics of customs office show that exports of herbal products have dropped to Rs 45.3 million over the first three quarters, whereas their exports during the same period last year had valued at Rs 123.9 million.
Export of wheat flour has plummeted sharply to Rs 1.25 million during the period, down from Rs 83.2 million recorded in the same period last year. Likewise, exports of ginger and ginger powder too have decreased sharply.
Exports of ginger and ginger powder through the customs, which was valued at Rs 63.3 million during the same period last year, stood at just Rs 26.4 million so far this year.
Mustard oil, ghee, vegetable ghee, rapeseed cake and paddy husk are other major exportable items to India, but their exports to India too has declined during the period.
Statistics, however, show that exports of stones, aggregates and other products of crusher industry has increased during the period.
As for the import, petroleum products, vehicles and spare parts and textiles are the major commodities exported through Nepalgunj customs.
Since imports of these commodities have continued to rise, Chief of Nepalgunj Customs Office Binod Kunwar said the office is well poised to meet its revenue target. The government has set a target of mobilizing Rs 2.16 billion in revenue from the customs in the current fiscal year.
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