Top 10 Countries with Highest Export of Handmade Paper from Nepal

Last updated on 2024-05-17

Handmade paper is a one-of-a-kind traditional product that is employed in essential legal and religious documents. The Nepal Handmade Paper and Paper Products Sector Export Strategy was prepared under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), with financial and technical help from the ITC Trust Fund. The Handmade Paper and Paper Products Sector Export Strategy (SES) 2017-2021 has served as a road map for addressing significant concerns connected to sector performance, including competitiveness limits, and ensuring the highest-possible economic returns in a sustainable way. Nepali handcrafted paper competes with huge exporters from other nations. Handmade paper exports from Nepal account for barely 0.7 percent of global exports.

*The data is collected from the Ministry of Finance and the ranking is done according to the export value.

10. Switzerland

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In November 1956, Nepal and Switzerland established diplomatic relations. With a comparable geopolitical status to landlocked nations, Nepal values its connections with Switzerland, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and collaboration. Switzerland has been a continuous supporter of Nepal, as well as the democratic movements and peace process in the country. The Nepal-Switzerland commercial relationship has grown throughout the years. Tea, coffee, mate, spices, ginger, cinnamon, plants sugar, dog or cat food, malt extracts, essential oils, hand knotted woolen carpets, woolen items, and so on are major Nepali exports to Switzerland. Similarly, Nepal imports Swiss timepieces, pharmaceutical items, chemicals, building materials, transportation equipment, machinery and components, medical equipment, and so on. As of 202-2021, the export of handmade paper amounts to Rs 7274 thousand for 1627 kilogram.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 7,274
Export Quantity : 1,627 kg

9. Netherlands

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Nepal and the Netherlands enjoy friendly, cordial, and cooperative bilateral ties at both the government and people-to-people levels. The Netherlands has an honorary consulate in Kathmandu. From the Netherlands, Nepal imports textiles, machinery and components, industrial raw materials, electrical goods, research equipment, and other commodities. Given the Netherlands' prominent role in the EU, Nepal's possibilities for cooperative ties with the EU are expected to be improved by the country's excellent economic and commercial ties with the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the top ten countries to which Nepal exports handmade paper and paperboards, with 2722 Kg accounting for an export value of Rs 7608 thousand.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 7,608
Export Quantity : 2,722 kg

8. Australia

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On February 15, 1960, Nepal and Australia established diplomatic ties. Since then, the two nations' ties have been characterized by goodwill and mutual understanding, resulting in a growth in bilateral interactions as well as commercial and technological collaboration. The basis of Australia's ties with Nepal have been development aid and people-to-people connections through tourism and education. Nepal exports tea, coffee, essential oils, leather goods, culinary items, clothes, floor coverings, carpets, cotton dresses, paintings, and pastels to Australia. Nepal sold 2660 kg of handmade paper and paperboard for 8646 thousand rupees in 2020-21.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 8,646
Export Quantity : 2,660 kg

7. Sweden

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Nepal and Sweden established diplomatic relations on June 10, 1960. Nepal-Sweden bilateral relations are built on friendship, collaboration, equality, and mutual interest. Both nations have similar perspectives on a wide range of international problems, have advocated for world peace and stability, and have made major contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. The volume of bilateral commerce remains low, and the trade balance between Nepal and Sweden has shifted in favor of Sweden in recent years. Carpet knotted of wool, clothing, leather products, and pashmina are major exports to Sweden, whereas machinery and components and medical equipment are major imports. Similarly, the export of handmade paper totals 12723 thousand Rs with a weight of 2811 kg.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 12,723
Export Quantity : 2,811 kg

6. United Kingdom

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Nepal's formal ties with the United Kingdom were formed in 1816 and have been cordial and friendly ever since, flourishing to the mutual advantage of both nations. The United Kingdom is one of Nepal's top 10 trading partners. Nepalese carpets, ready-made clothing, leather and leather goods, Nepalese paper and paper products, handicrafts, and jewelry are all significant exports to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is a significant importer of machinery and components, airplanes and commodities, drinks, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and medical equipment, and textiles, among other things. Nepal sold 5610 kg of handmade paper and paperboard in 2020-21, representing 17435 thousand rupees in export value.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 17,435
Export Quantity : 5,610 kg

5. France

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Since formal diplomatic ties were established on April 20, 1949, Nepal and France have maintained great bilateral relations. Since then, Nepal-France relations have been characterized by enormous warmth, trust, and mutual respect on both sides. Passport printing, hotels, pharmaceuticals, aluminum products, and other French investment industries are among them. Nepal exports to France handcrafted papers, carpets, handicrafts, ready-made clothing, woolen products, silver jewelry, and other items. Similarly, Nepal imports French machinery and components, as well as industrial raw materials, aircraft and replacement parts, telecommunications equipment, vaccinations, and scientific research equipment. Imports outnumber exports in terms of value. Nepal sold 8473 kg of handmade paper and paperboard in 2020-21, representing 18335 thousand rupees in export value.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 18,335
Export Quantity : 8,473 kg

4. Japan

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Nepal and Japan formalized their relationship on September 1, 1956, when diplomatic relations were established. Friendship, goodwill, and partnership characterize the two countries' relationship. Nepal has a long history of friendship with Japan and regards it as an important development partner. Japan is one of Nepal's most significant commercial partners and a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country. Nepal's main exports to Japan are pashmina items, ready-made garments, food, woolen goods, carpets, handicrafts, Nepali paper and paper products, leather goods, cutlery, and decorations. Nepal sold 8436 kg of handmade paper and paperboard in 2020-21, representing 21062 thousand rupees in export value.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 21,062
Export Quantity : 8,436 kg

3. United Arab Emirates

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The United Arab Emirates is Nepal's most important business partner. At the bilateral level, the two countries have a friendly and cordial relationship based on mutual understanding and collaboration. Woolen shawls, scarves, carpets, paan-masala, chewing tobacco, and other similar things are key exports from Nepal to the UAE, whilst gold, silver, petrol-bitumen, lubricating oil, and other similar items are big imports from the UAE. Nepal has been researching the UAE trade market in recent years, and it might be a profitable market for Nepalese cereals, food items, and herb-products. Nepal exported $2.43 million to the United Arab Emirates in recent years. When it comes to handmade paper, around 83992 kg was shipped with an export value of Rs 35478 thousand.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 35,478
Export Quantity : 83,992 kg

2. Germany

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Nepal and the Federal Republic of Germany established diplomatic relations on April 4, 1958. Nepal-German ties have grown since then on the foundations of friendship, mutual understanding, and collaboration. Germany is Nepal's most important commercial partner, particularly for carpets and textiles. The majority of Nepal's imports from Germany are equipment and industrial items. Aside from carpets, Nepal exports to Germany handicrafts, silver jewelry, clothes, leather, wooden and bamboo items, lentils, tea, and essential oils from herb and fragrant plants. From Germany, Nepal imports mostly industrial raw materials, chemicals, mechanical equipment and components, electric and electronic items, cars, and so on. The yearly volume of commerce in 2020 was 50.7 million euros. In terms of handmade paper and paperboard exports, 18565 kg were shipped to Germany for a total value of Rs. 61487 thousand.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 61,487
Export Quantity : 18,565 kg

1. United States

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Nepal and the United States of America (US) established diplomatic relations on April 25, 1947. Bilateral relations are friendly, and the US policy aims focus around aiding Nepal in establishing a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and democratic society. The US is one of Nepal's most important trade partners. It is also one of Nepal's main sources of foreign currency, mostly from textile and carpet exports, as well as tourism profits. Nepal Exports of paper, uncoated, for writing, rolls, handmade paper to United States was US$771.05 thousand during 2019, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. A total of 37053 kg of handcrafted paper and paperboard were exported to the United States, with an export value of Rs.118476 thousand.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 1,18,476
Export Quantity : 37,053 kg