Fruit imports rise 20% to Rs. 8.57 billion in first five months

Kathmandu, Jan. 2 — Nepal’s fruit imports surged by 20 percent in value during the first five months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, reflecting a continued rise in demand for imported fruits.

According to trade statistics released by the Department of Customs, the country imported fruits worth Rs. 8.57 billion between mid-July and mid-December. This marks a significant increase compared to imports worth Rs. 7.18 billion recorded during the same period of the previous fiscal year.

In the last fiscal year 2024/25, total fruit imports stood at Rs. 21.17 billion, up from Rs. 19.57 billion in 2023/24 and Rs. 16.16 billion in 2022/23, indicating a steady upward trend.

Apples dominated fruit imports during the review period, accounting for nearly half of the total value. The country imported 38,293 tonnes of apples worth Rs. 4.24 billion, from which the government collected revenue amounting to Rs. 418 million. In comparison, 36,273 tonnes of apples worth Rs. 3.73 billion had been imported during the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.

Bananas were the second most imported fruit, with imports valued at Rs. 765 million. Around 19,430 tonnes of bananas entered the country during the review period.

Imports of grapes, including dried grapes, amounted to Rs. 664 million. Similarly, 4,377 tonnes of oranges worth Rs. 308 million were imported. Mango imports reached 5,898 tonnes valued at Rs. 434 million, while lemons totaled 3,540 tonnes worth Rs. 319 million. Guava imports stood at 1,395 tonnes valued at Rs. 100 million.

Other imported fruits included pears worth Rs. 288 million, pomegranates worth Rs. 559 million, kiwi worth Rs. 49 million, watermelon worth Rs. 107 million and papaya worth Rs. 144 million during the review period.

The data highlight Nepal’s growing dependence on imported fruits despite domestic production potential.