Tisa Manandhar
The banking sector of Nepal is currently in a challenging state. Investing and planning by the government are not proving effective enough. The banks' expenses are all being spent on imports. We are also sending money abroad by selling our properties to travel to foreign lands.
Nepal's economy, like many others, is complexly connected to global trade dynamics, particularly concerning imports, trade deficits, and the reverse dollar effect.
Mainly, remittances are declining. Whether we like it or not, we are surviving on remittances. In the same way, imports are increasing. It is imperative that we take some effective measures as soon as possible.
Consumption has increased in the last three years. Even during COVID, consumption and imports had gone up. Now, we import more than last year’s total imports in just 6 to 7 months.
The impact of imports and the trade deficit on the Nepalese currency can be significant. When Nepal imports more goods than it exports, it creates a trade deficit. Nepal heavily relies on imports for goods like petroleum, machinery, and consumer products, trade deficits have been a persistent challenge that increases the demand for foreign currency, particularly the US dollar. This means that more NPR is being used to pay for imported goods, which can put pressure on the value of the NPR compared to other currencies. The demand for imports can lead to a depletion of foreign exchange reserves, potentially affecting the country's ability to manage its external financial obligations. So, it’s important for us to balance our imports and exports to maintain a stable currency.
To address the impact of imports, deficits, and the reverse dollar effect, Nepal can adopt some approaches:
Export Promotion: Nepal possesses several export-oriented industries that contribute to its economy and international trade. Boosting foreign exchange earnings by encouraging export-oriented industries like textile industries, handicrafts, and Agro-industries like MATO, can lower the trade deficit.
Import Substitution: Developing domestic industries to produce goods can be very helpful in reducing dependence on imports. For example, Nepal is known as an agricultural country and yet, agricultural products account for more than 20% of Nepal’s imports. The Agro-industries in Nepal need to increase their production to meet the demands of the local population.
Fiscal Discipline: To control trade deficits, it's important to practice responsible financial management and limit unnecessary imports.
Nepal's economy is naturally linked to the global trade ecosystem. The impact of imports, trade deficits, and the reverse dollar effect cannot be underestimated. Imports are crucial for a nation’s demands, but a careful balance is necessary to prevent harm to the economy. By implementing a combination of export-oriented strategies, import substitution, and prudent fiscal policies, Nepal can navigate these challenges and create a more resilient and balanced economic environment.