Export of Soybean Oil up by 290 Percent

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Export of Soybean Oil up by 290 Percent

February 1: The export of soybean oil has increased by 290 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year. According to the Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Nepal exported soybean oil worth Rs 17 billion during the review period. The export of soybean oil during the corresponding period of last fiscal year was worth Rs 4 billion.

In the review period, palm oil – which was Nepal’s top export product last year – dropped to 27th position among the items exported by Nepal.

The country had exported palm oil worth Rs 13.89 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year but the export dropped to Rs 400,000 in the current fiscal year after India banned the import of palm oil. India is the main market for palm oil and soybean oil produced in Nepal.

Nepali businessmen used to import unrefined palm oil from third countries and then the finished produce used to be exported to India. The businessmen have shifted their focus toward soybean oil after India banned palm oil.

“Industries are gradually reopening as the situation is normalizing after Covid-19 and lockdown,” said industrialist Pradeep Muraraka, adding, “After the ban on palm oil, there has been an increase in demand for soybean oil. We have shifted our focus on production of soybean oil.”

Wool, black cardamom, carpet, jute, readymade garments, tea are among the major export products of Nepal after soybean oil, according to Krishna Bajgain, senior officer at TEPC.

 

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