Destination-wise, imports from India, China and other countries increased 15.1 percent, 30.7percent and 16.1 percent respectively. Commodity-wise import of petroleum products, aircraft spare parts, readymade garment, M.S. billet, electrical goods, among others, increased whereas imports of cement, transportation equipment and parts, telecommunication equipment and parts, medical equipment and tools, crude soybean oil, among others, decreased in the review period.
Similarly, the merchandise exports increased 18.7 percent to Rs.87.83 billion compared to an increase of 10 percent a year ago in the eleven months of 2018/19,. Destination-wise, exports to India and other countries increased 33.3 percent and 1.5 percent respectively whereas exports to China decreased 27.1 percent. Mainly exports of polyester yarn, jute goods, noodles, pulses, woolen carpet, among others, increased whereas exports of cardamom, readymade garment, shoes and sandals, skin, pashmina, among others, decreased in the review period.
The total trade deficit widened 17.2 percent to Rs 1211.96 billion in eleven months of 2018/19. The export-import ratio increased marginally to 6.8 percent in the review period from 6.7 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.
The y-o-y unit value export price index based on customs data increased 2.4 percent and import price index increased 1.9 percent in mid-June 2019. The terms of trade (ToT index) increased by 0.5 percent in the review month against a decrease of 4.4 percent in the corresponding month of the previous year.
