Nepal’s soybean oil exports to India skyrocketed in 2025, reaching 694,153 metric tons a tenfold increase compared to previous years. This surge, driven by duty-free access under SAFTA, helped Nepal narrow its trade deficit and positioned the country as one of India’s top soyoil suppliers, reshaping regional trade dynamics.
Nepal has reported a record-breaking rise in soybean oil exports to India, with shipments soaring tenfold in 2025 to 694,153 metric tons. According to government data, this unprecedented growth was fueled by duty-free access under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), enabling Nepal to expand its export footprint and strengthen bilateral trade ties.
Key Highlights:
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Export Volume: Nepal exported 694,153 metric tons of soybean oil to India in 2025.
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Tenfold Growth: The surge marks a more than tenfold increase compared to prior years.
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Duty-Free Access: SAFTA provisions allowed Nepal to benefit from tariff-free exports.
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Trade Deficit Impact: The boom significantly reduced Nepal’s trade deficit with India.
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Global Positioning: Nepal became the third-largest soyoil supplier to India, after Argentina and Brazil.
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Economic Value: The exports were valued at over $1 billion, boosting Nepal’s overall trade revenues.
This remarkable growth underscores the strategic importance of regional trade agreements and highlights Nepal’s evolving role in South Asia’s edible oil market.
Sources: Reuters, The Economic Times, Devdiscourse