December 3: Export through Biratnagar Customs, the prime trade point of Province 1, has been increasing since the last five years. While the average trade deficit rate of other customs points is 8 percent, the trade deficit of the Biratnagar customs is only 5.14 percent.

According to the customs data, goods worth Rs  21.44 billion were exported through this customs in FY 2073/74, which surged to Rs 36.90 billion in FY 2077/78.

Export from the Biratnagar Customs Office, the third prime trade point of the country, is increasing annually. Although the trade deficit of Biratnagar Customs was less than that of other customs points, in the fiscal year 2077/78, the customs saw imports worth Rs 189.65 billion and exports worth Rs. 36.90 billion. Statistics show a trade deficit of 152.75 billion in this fiscal year.

The Biratnagar Customs Office, whose revenue collection dropped due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has exceeded its revenue target in July and August this year.

Amit Tiwari, Customs Officer at the Biratnagar Customs Office, said that the Biratnagar Customs Office had collected less revenue in the fiscal year 2076/77 due to the closure of industries and businesses following the Covid-19 outbreak.

Tiwari said that the revenue of Biratnagar customs has come down as the Nepal Oil Corporation is transporting petroleum products only through Kakadvitta checkpoint as the transportation fare is less by Rs 3 per liter.

The Biratnagar Customs Office has collected Rs 3.34 billion in revenue in June / July of the current fiscal year, which is 115.82 percent of the target. It has collected revenue of Rs 3.86 billion in August ie 100.13 percent of the target.

Raw soybean oil, MS billet, polythene granules, steel wire rod in coils, readymade garments, crude sunflower oil, food grains, maize, cooking gas, and industrial machinery are the main items imported through Biratnagar Customs.

Likewise, among the top 10 items exported through Biratnagar Customs are refined soybean oil, synthetic yarn, jute woven cloth, jute sacks and bags, cloth (except wool, cotton, terry cotton), noodles, pasta as well.