Tea exports through the Kakarbhitta border have seen a significant rise this year. According to the Mechi Customs Office, tea exports increased by 40.5% in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, totaling Rs. 3.86 billion.
During the same period last fiscal year, Nepal had exported tea worth Rs. 2.75 billion, marking a strong growth in one of the country’s key export products.
📉 Cardamom Export Declines
In contrast, cardamom exports have declined. This year, in the first 11 months, Nepal exported cardamom worth Rs. 7.18 billion, compared to Rs. 7.46 billion in the same period last year. Cardamom, usually among the top exported agricultural goods, has taken a dip likely due to fluctuating prices and market demands.
đź’° Revenue Collection Update
The Mechi Customs Office has so far collected Rs. 14.43 billion in revenue between Shrawan and Jestha — about 91.56% of its 11-month target of Rs. 15.77 billion. This shows a 14% increase in revenue compared to the same period last fiscal year.
- In FY 2080/81, the office had achieved 77.56% of its target in 11 months.
- In FY 2079/80, only 69.94% was achieved in the same timeframe.
Despite improvements, the office still faces pressure to meet the annual revenue goal of Rs. 17.34 billion set by the Ministry of Finance.
To reach that goal, the office must collect Rs. 2.09 billion in Asar (the final month of the fiscal year) alone — a feat officials say may not be achievable given past monthly trends.
â›˝ Petroleum Products Lead in Revenue Contribution
Petroleum imports remain the top source of customs revenue, contributing Rs. 6.93 billion, which accounts for 60.81% of total revenue. The dominance of fuel in revenue collection highlights Nepal’s high dependency on petroleum imports for state earnings.
⚠️ Challenges Ahead
Despite positive trends in tea exports and improved revenue collection, Mechi Customs has failed to meet annual targets in the past. Last fiscal year, the office was tasked with collecting Rs. 18.25 billion but only managed 78.40% (Rs. 14.23 billion).
Officials warn that this year may repeat the same pattern unless there’s a dramatic increase in collections in the final month.
🔍 Summary
| Indicator | 2081/82 (Current) | 2080/81 (Last Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Exports | Rs. 3.86B (↑40.5%) | Rs. 2.75B |
| Cardamom Exports | Rs. 7.18B (↓) | Rs. 7.46B |
| Total Revenue (11 months) | Rs. 14.43B (91.56%) | Rs. 12.65B (approx) |
| Petroleum Revenue Share | 60.81% | — |
| Annual Target | Rs. 17.34B | Rs. 18.25B |
The Mechi Customs Office continues to play a critical role in Nepal’s trade and revenue ecosystem, but challenges remain in meeting government targets — especially amid shifting export trends and high reliance on petroleum imports.