Tag: Nepal039s

  • Analysis of Import and Export Trends in the First Nine Months of Fiscal Year 2080/81

    Analysis of Import and Export Trends in the First Nine Months of Fiscal Year 2080/81


    Nepal’s trade dynamics in the initial nine months of fiscal year 2080/81 reveal alarming patterns, raising concerns about the nation’s economic outlook. The trade deficit, representing the variance between imports and exports, has expanded by approximately 2.75 percent during this period, indicating a growing disparity between import costs and export values, posing significant challenges to Nepal’s economic stability.

    Imports

    Imports in the first nine months of the fiscal year witnessed a noticeable decline of around 2.84 percent, totaling approximately Rs. 11.67 Kharba. In comparison, the corresponding period in the previous year saw imports amounting to goods worth Rs. 12.01 Kharba.

    Key imported commodities included mineral fuels, iron/steel, electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, and vehicles. The surge in these imports reflects shifting consumer demands and evolving industrial needs within the country.

    Exports

    On the contrary, Nepal’s exports amounted to Rs. 1.13 Kharba during the nine-month period, primarily led by sectors like coffee, tea & spices, iron/steel, and man-made staple fibers, which constituted the bulk of export volumes.

    However, exports have witnessed a decline of about 3.66 percent compared to the previous year’s exports valued at Rs. 1.18 Kharba. This decline poses a significant challenge to economic growth and stability, impacting vital indicators such as GDP, exchange rates, inflation, and interest rates.

  • Gold Prices Soar to Record Highs in Nepal on March 5, 2024

    Gold Prices Soar to Record Highs in Nepal on March 5, 2024


    The gold market in Nepal saw an extraordinary surge, reaching an unprecedented all-time high on March 5, 2024. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold recorded a remarkable single-day increase of Rs. 2,000, soaring to an extraordinary rate of Rs. 1,23,000 per tola. This surge surpassed the previous record set on December 28, 2023, when fine gold had reached Rs. 1,22,000 per tola.

    Tejabi gold, another highly coveted variety, also witnessed a noteworthy rise, currently valued at Rs. 1,22,400 per tola, up from its previous rate of Rs. 1,20,400.

    In a parallel trend, the price of silver also experienced an increase on the same day, with a gain of 35 rupees, bringing the current silver price to Rs. 1,445 per tola. In comparison, the silver price on the previous Monday was recorded at Rs. 1,410 per tola.

    While the domestic market witnessed an upswing in prices, it’s noteworthy that the international market also plays a significant role. As of the latest update, the current gold rate stands at $2,114.80 per ounce. Internationally, silver is also experiencing positive momentum, with prices reaching $23.67 per ounce.

  • Nepal’s Cement and Clinker Exports Surge: Rs. 2.6 Arba in Seven Months; Magh Records Rs. 29 Crores

    Nepal’s Cement and Clinker Exports Surge: Rs. 2.6 Arba in Seven Months; Magh Records Rs. 29 Crores


    The Department of Customs has reported a significant increase in cement and clinker exports from Nepal to India, totaling Rs. 2.6 Arba during the first seven months of the current fiscal year (from Shrawan to Magh). This represents a notable 168% rise compared to the previous fiscal year’s exports of Rs. 77.93 crores. Leading this surge are key players in Nepal’s cement industry, including Palpa Cement, Arghakhanchi Cement, and Balaji Cement, actively contributing to the upward trend. Particularly impressive is the month of Magh, where exports reached Rs. 29 crores, showcasing the strong demand for Nepalese cement and clinker in the Indian market. Over the seven months, a significant amount of 21 lakh 47 thousand 345 tons of cement and clinker have been exported to India.

     

  • Nepal’s 7-Month Trade Snapshot: Imports Dip 2.31%, Trade Deficit Narrows 1.77%, Exports Down 7.07%

    Nepal’s 7-Month Trade Snapshot: Imports Dip 2.31%, Trade Deficit Narrows 1.77%, Exports Down 7.07%


    In the initial seven months of the current fiscal year, spanning from Shrawan to Magh in the Nepali calendar, Nepal’s imports reached Rs. 8.97 Kharba, indicating a slight decrease of 2.31% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, where imports totaled Rs. 9.19 Kharba.

    During this period, the trade deficit has also witnessed a reduction of 1.77%, amounting to Rs. 8.11 Kharba in the current fiscal year, as opposed to Rs. 8.25 Kharba recorded in the same timeframe of the previous year.

    Simultaneously, there has been a notable decline in Nepal’s exports, experiencing a 7.07% decrease. The total value of exported goods and services for the first seven months of the current fiscal year amounted to Rs. 86.83 Arba, in contrast to the Rs. 93.43 Arba worth of exports during the equivalent period in the preceding year. These statistics, derived from data released by the Customs Department, highlight the dynamics of Nepal’s trade performance, showcasing a nuanced interplay of import and export figures in the given fiscal timeframe.

  • Nepal’s gold market experiences unprecedented highs in a remarkable surge.

    Nepal’s gold market experiences unprecedented highs in a remarkable surge.


    The Nepalese gold market witnessed an extraordinary surge, reaching an all-time high on December 28, 2023. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association reported a remarkable single-day increase of Rs. 1,300, propelling fine gold to an unprecedented rate of Rs. 1,22,000 per tola.

    Previously, on December 4, 2023, fine gold had reached a historic peak of Rs. 1,21,600 per tola, establishing a record at that time. Tejabi gold, another highly coveted variety, also experienced a significant uptick, currently valued at Rs. 1,21,400 per tola, up from its previous rate of Rs. 1,20,100.

    In line with this trend, silver prices have also risen, reaching 1,490 rupees per tola with a gain of 15 rupees. In comparison, Wednesday recorded a silver price of Rs. 1,475 per tola.

    While the domestic market witnesses a surge in prices, the international market remains a crucial factor. As of the latest update, the current rate of gold is $2,086.13 per ounce. Internationally, silver also demonstrates positive momentum, with prices reaching $24.44 per ounce.

  • “Nepal’s Economic Triumph: Robust Balance of Payments Surplus Signals Financial Stability”

    “Nepal’s Economic Triumph: Robust Balance of Payments Surplus Signals Financial Stability”


    In a positive economic development, a report from the Nepal Rastra Bank reveals that Nepal’s balance of payments (BOP) has maintained a surplus of Rs.147.11 billion, marking a significant increase compared to the Rs.20.03 billion surplus recorded in the same period the previous year, based on data ending in mid-November.

    Expressed in US Dollars, the BOP surplus for the review period reached 1.11 billion, slightly lower than the 149.6 million surplus in the corresponding fiscal year. The current account has also displayed improvement, registering a surplus of Rs.96.38 billion in contrast to a deficit of Rs.37.79 billion in the previous year. In US Dollar terms, the current account surplus reached 725.1 million, a notable contrast to the 296.1 million deficit in the same period last year.

    The report underscores a 46.6% decrease in capital transfer to Rs.1.59 billion, while net foreign direct investment (FDI) remained positive at Rs.3.64 billion, marking a significant increase from the Rs.429.2 million recorded in the previous year. Merchandise imports witnessed a 3.8% decrease, totaling Rs.512.50 billion, with notable shifts in import categories and sources.

    Trade patterns at various customs points exhibited mixed trends, with some experiencing increases while others faced decreases. The total trade deficit reduced by 3.3% to Rs.461.94 billion during the review period, contributing to an improved export-import ratio of 9.9%, down from 10.3% in the corresponding period last year.

    Merchandise imports from India, paid in convertible foreign currency, amounted to Rs.53.84 billion during the review period, showing an increase from Rs.42.69 billion in the same period the previous year. Overall, the report signals positive strides in Nepal’s economic indicators, with the BOP surplus indicating enhanced financial stability.

  • Nepalese Gold Market Hits Record High: Fine Gold Peaks at Rs. 1,21,600 per Tola

    Nepalese Gold Market Hits Record High: Fine Gold Peaks at Rs. 1,21,600 per Tola


    The Nepalese gold market experienced an extraordinary surge, reaching an unprecedented peak on December 4, 2023. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association reported an astonishing single-day increase of Rs. 800, driving the price of fine gold to an extraordinary level of Rs. 1,21,600 per tola.

    Just a day earlier, on December 3, 2023, fine gold had already achieved a historic high of Rs. 1,20,800 per tola, setting a record at that time. Another coveted variant, Tejabi gold, also witnessed a notable uptick, currently valued at Rs. 1,21,000 per tola, up from its previous rate of Rs. 1,20,200.

    In contrast to the gold rally, the price of silver has remained stable at Rs. 1,545 per tola.

    The surge in gold prices in the domestic market is in line with the global trend, where gold is now priced at $2,088.00 per ounce. This surge has had a significant impact on the domestic bullion market. Concurrently, silver is being traded at $25.47 per ounce on the international market.

  • “Nepal’s 2022/23 Macroeconomic and Financial Report Released by Central Bank”

    “Nepal’s 2022/23 Macroeconomic and Financial Report Released by Central Bank”


     

    Nepal Rastra Bank has reported that inflation was around 7.74 percent year-on-year. The country’s foreign exchange reserves were at USD 11.74 billion. However, both imports and exports saw declines, with imports dropping by 16.1 percent and exports decreasing by 21.4 percent. This is in contrast to the previous year when imports had increased by 24.7 percent and exports had risen by 41.7 percent.

    In terms of loans, an amount of Rs. 197.06 billion was given out to 145,778 borrowers in mid-July 2023. Among these borrowers, Rs. 135.76 billion was provided to 60,350 individuals involved in commercial agriculture and livestock businesses. Additionally, Rs. 58.38 billion was extended to support 82,718 women entrepreneurs. The remaining Rs. 2.91 billion was allocated to 2,710 borrowers falling under other categories of concessional loans.

     

  • “Nepal’s Gold Prices Drop: Market Update”

    “Nepal’s Gold Prices Drop: Market Update”


     

    The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association has announced a decline of Rs 700 per tola in the local gold price. This drop was observed on the same day while finalizing today’s price list.

    As of now, the value of fine gold remains steady at Rs. 111,300 per tola, while tejabi gold is being sold at Rs. 110,750 per tola. In comparison, just yesterday (Wednesday), the price of fine gold was Rs. 112,000 per tola, and tejabi gold was priced at Rs. 111,450.

    This update highlights the recent decrease in gold prices within the Nepalese market.

     

  • “CBFIN Urges Risk Weightage Reduction and Policy Changes in Nepal’s Financial Sector”

    “CBFIN Urges Risk Weightage Reduction and Policy Changes in Nepal’s Financial Sector”


    In banking and finance, risk weightage is a percentage assigned to assets or loans based on how risky they are. This percentage determines how much capital a bank needs to keep aside as a safety cushion in case of losses. Higher-risk assets get higher risk weightages, meaning more capital needs to be reserved for them. Lower-risk assets get lower risk weightages, requiring less capital. This calculation is vital for assessing a bank’s financial strength, known as the capital adequacy ratio.

     

  • “Nepal’s Market Hit by Decline in Mobile Phone Imports.”

    “Nepal’s Market Hit by Decline in Mobile Phone Imports.”


     

    According to the Customs Department’s international trade statistics, Nepal experienced a significant decline in the number of mobile phones entering the country. In the previous financial year (2078/79), the value of mobile imports exceeded Rs. 38 Arba, but in the last year (2079/80), it dropped to just Rs. 26 Arba. The data shows that 39 lakh 35 thousand 367 mobile phones were imported, with a value of Rs. 26 Arba 51 crore 47 lakh 20 thousand, resulting in the government collecting revenue of Rs. 4.88 Arba 73 lakh 76 thousand from mobile phone imports.

     

  • Decrease in Interbank Interest Rate Indicates Heightened Liquidity in Nepal’s Banking System

    Decrease in Interbank Interest Rate Indicates Heightened Liquidity in Nepal’s Banking System


    The banking sector in Nepal has recently witnessed a decrease in the interbank interest rate, indicating an increase in liquidity within the system. According to data provided by Nepal Rastra Bank, the interbank interest rate of banks has fallen below 1 percent. Specifically, on Ashad 27, the interbank interest rate remained stable at 0.83 percent.

    In parallel, the average Cash Deposit (CD) ratio experienced a decline on Ashad 27, reaching 81.67 percent compared to the 82.11 percent recorded on Ashad 25. This decline in the CD ratio can be attributed to the infusion of an additional Rs. 23 Arba into the banking system.

    As of Ashad 25, the total deposits held by banks and financial institutions amounted to Rs. 57.13 Kharba. By Ashad 27, this figure had increased to Rs. 57.36 Kharba. Moreover, the credit investment by banks stood at Rs. 48.51 Kharba.

    Overall, these developments indicate a higher level of liquidity within the banking sector in Nepal, reflected by the decrease in interbank interest rates and the rise in total deposits. This increased liquidity provides potential opportunities for financial institutions to support credit investment and drive economic growth.