Nepal is a country that consumes a lot of items that have been imported from all across the world. The reputation of Nepali products within the country is also not up to the standard where citizens seek and choose Nepali products. Having said that, it does have a growing economy that is heavily backed by the products Nepal exports.
According to Nepal Trade Information Portal, Nepal made an export worth Rs 163.164 billion in 2022. The previous year, Nepal exported goods worth Rs 196.917. The top 10 exported products made up a significant portion of that total. The same products, more or less, were popular in 2021 too.
So what are the top 10 products Nepal exports? Here is the list of the goods highlighted for their high export value.
| Rank | Product | Exported value in 2022 (Rs) | Exported value in 2021 (Rs) |
| 1 | Soya bean oil | 23,450,310,954 | 70,514,512,720 |
| 2 | Refined bleached deodorised palm olein | 10,936,991,788 | 11,429,190,592 |
| 3 | Carpet, knotted of wool or fine animal hair | 10,622,689,916 | 7,976,953,449 |
| 4 | Big cardamon (alaichi), neither crushed nor ground | 5,851,829,577 | 5,566,936,199 |
| 5 | Yarn of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with artificial staple fibres | 4,723,305,340 | 2,626,179,459 |
| 6 | Felt | 4,784,287,387 | 4,089,567,107 |
| 7 | Mixture of juices | 4,412,297,788 | 3,822,335,117 |
| 8 | Single yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres | 4,011,450,973 | 3,586,931,237 |
| 9 | Woven fabric of jute or bast fibres | 3,406,134,195 | 5,234,201,029 |
| 10 | Black tea fermented | 3,876,396,274 | 2,585,704,033 |
1. Soya bean oil
Soya bean oil is the top product that Nepal exports. In 2022, with a total export value of Rs 23.45 billion and Rs 70.51 billion in 2021, it stands as the top exported item. Soya bean oil is a vegetable oil that is derived from soya beans and is commonly used for cooking and as a source of biodiesel. In Nepal, soya bean oil is used in a variety of ways, including for frying and as a cooking oil in households and restaurants. Additionally, it is also used in the manufacture of soap and other cleaning products, food processing, cosmetics, and biodiesel production.
2. Palm olein
The second biggest product that Nepal exports is refined bleached deodorised palm olein, which had an export value of Rs 10.94 billion in 2022 and Rs 11.42 billion in 2021. Nepal exports palm olein, which is a type of vegetable oil commonly used for cooking and frying. It is derived from the pulp of the fruit of the oil palm tree and is used in a wide range of food products, including baked goods, margarine, and snacks. In Nepal, palm olein is primarily used in cooking, particularly in households and small-scale food businesses.
3. Carpets
Carpet made of wool or fine animal hair and with an export value of Rs 10.62 billion in 2022 and Rs 7.97 billion in 2021 stands as the third most valued product that Nepal exports. The traditional art of carpet weaving has a long history in Nepal and is a significant source of income for many communities. Carpets made in Nepal are known for their quality and beauty and are highly sought after in the global market. They are used primarily as decorative pieces in homes and offices.
4. Big cardamom
Big cardamom or alaichi is the fourth most exported product from Nepal, with an export value of Rs 5.85 billion in 2022 and Rs 5.56 billion in 2021. Cardamom is a spice that is widely used in Asian cuisine and is known for its sweet and spicy flavour. In Nepal, cardamom is primarily grown in the eastern part of the country and is used in a variety of dishes, including curries and stews. Additionally, it is also used in the manufacture of essential oils and perfumes making it one of the popular items that Nepal exports.
5. Yarn (polyester staple fibres)
Nepal exports a high amount of yarn outside making it the fifth most exported product with an export value of Rs 4.72 billion in 2022 and Rs 2.62 billion in 2021. Yarn is a basic textile material that is used in the manufacture of a wide range of products, including clothing, blankets, and carpets. In Nepal, yarn is primarily used by textile manufacturers, who use it to create a variety of products for both domestic and international markets.
6. Felt
Felt is the sixth most valued product that Nepal exports, with an export value of Rs 4.78 billion in 2022 and Rs 4.1 billion in 2021. Felt is a type of textile material that is made by compressing wool fibres together. It is commonly used in a wide range of products, including hats, bags, and footwear. In Nepal, felt is primarily used in the manufacture of handicrafts and home decor items. These products are popular among tourists and are sold in local markets and shops.
7. Mixture of juices
Nepal produces and exports a variety of fruits and, with that, it also exports a mixture of juices. The mixture of juices that Nepal exports is typically a blend of different fruits and vegetables, such as mango, pineapple, and carrot. These juices are popular in the global market, particularly among health-conscious consumers with a value of Rs 4.41 billion in 2022 and Rs 3.8 billion in 2021.
8. Single yarn (85 per cent polyester staple fibres)
Single yarn made of polyester staple fibres, containing 85 per cent or more by weight, is the eighth most exported product from Nepal, as per the government data. It had an export value of Rs 4.01 billion in 2022 and Rs 3.6 billion in 2021, making it one of the top items that Nepal exports. It is a basic textile material that is used in the manufacture of a wide range of products and it is a popular choice for textile manufacturers due to its durability and versatility. It is used in the manufacture of a wide range of products, including clothing, bed linens, and curtains.
9. Woven jute or bast fibre
Another woven fabric that Nepal exports is jute or bast fibre, with an export value of Rs 3.41 billion in 2022 and Rs 3.3 billion in 2021. Jute is a natural fibre that is commonly used in the manufacture of textiles, particularly for products such as bags, carpets, and curtains. In Nepal, jute is primarily grown in the eastern part of the country and is used in the manufacture of a variety of products, including handicrafts and home decor items.
10. Black tea (fermented)
Last but not the least, the tenth most exported product from Nepal is black tea fermented, with an export value of Rs 3.88 billion in 2022 and Rs 2.58 billion in 2021. Tea is a popular beverage around the world, and in Nepal, the production of tea is a significant industry. The tea produced in Nepal is known for its unique flavour and aroma and is highly sought after in the global market. Black tea that has been fermented is a popular variety that is consumed around the world, Nepal exports the item, particularly to Europe and North America.
