Nepal's Tea Exports to India Decline in Volume and Value

Nepal's tea exports to India through the Kakarvitta border point in Jhapa declined in both volume and value during the fiscal year 2082/83 BS, according to the Kakarvitta Customs Office. Nepal exported 13,045 metric tons of tea worth Rs 3.53 billion, down from 15,311 metric tons valued at Rs 4.17 billion in the previous fiscal year. As a result, tea export earnings fell by approximately Rs 639.69 million. Chief Customs Administrator Shivlal Neupane said tea is the second-largest export commodity, after cardamom, shipped through the Kakarvitta border. According to Neupane, exports have been affected by price fluctuations in the Indian market, non-tariff barriers related to quality testing, and changes in production and pricing driven by global demand. A significant share of Nepal's CTC and orthodox tea is exported to India through Kakarvitta, and the decline is expected to negatively impact tea farmers, processors and suppliers while further widening the country's trade deficit.