Tea Exports from Mechi Customs Surge, Cardamom Sales Decline

Tea exports through the Kakarbhitta border have seen a notable improvement this fiscal year, according to Mechi Customs Office. In the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2081/82 (July 2024 to May 2025), tea exports rose by 40.5%, reaching NPR 3.86 billion, up from NPR 2.75 billion during the same period last year.

In contrast, cardamom exports, which are among Nepal’s key export items, have declined. During the same 11-month period, cardamom exports amounted to NPR 7.18 billion, down from NPR 7.46 billion in the previous fiscal year.

Revenue Collection Increases by 14%

Mechi Customs collected NPR 14.43 billion in revenue during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year. This accounts for 91.56% of its annual revenue target of NPR 15.77 billion for the period from Shrawan to Jestha (July to May).

Compared to the same period in the last fiscal year 2080/81, revenue collection has increased by 14%. Last year, the office had achieved 77.56% of its target, and only 69.94% in the fiscal year 2079/80.

For the full fiscal year 2081/82, the Ministry of Finance has set a revenue target of NPR 17.34 billion for Mechi Customs. To meet this goal, the office must collect NPR 2.09 billion in the final month, Asar (June/July). However, customs officials are concerned this may not be feasible, as monthly collections have not previously reached that level.

Petroleum Imports Lead in Revenue Contribution

The majority of the revenue has come from the import of petroleum products. A total of NPR 6.93 billion was collected from petroleum imports alone, contributing 60.81% to the overall revenue.

Despite the rise in tea exports and overall revenue, customs officials warn that they may fall short of the annual target again this year. Last fiscal year, the office had aimed to collect NPR 18.25 billion, but only managed to gather NPR 14.23 billion, achieving just 78.40% of the target.