Motorcycle Imports via Birgunj Double in First Month of Fiscal Year, While Car Imports Decline

The import of motorcycles through Birgunj, Nepal’s major transit point, has surged significantly in the first month of the current fiscal year, doubling compared to the same period last fiscal year. According to Raghu Lal Karna, Information Officer at Birgunj Customs Office, a total of 7,150 motorcycles worth NPR 944.8 million were imported in Saun (July-August) of the fiscal year 2081-82 BS (2024-25), compared to 3,571 motorcycles worth NPR 467.7 million during the same period last year, representing a 100 percent increase.

In contrast, the import of jeeps and cars has seen a sharp decline. The customs office reported that 127 jeeps and cars valued at NPR 206 million were imported in the first month of the fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2023-24), but this number dropped to 76 vehicles worth NPR 144.4 million in the same month of the current fiscal year, marking a 40 percent decrease.

Karna attributed the rise in motorcycle imports to the government’s policy of offering a 50 percent discount on the import of petrol-run motorcycles as parts intended for assembly within the country, both from India and third countries. This policy has incentivized the increase in motorcycle imports.

The revenue generated from vehicle imports has also seen a substantial rise. The customs office collected NPR 884.4 million in revenue from these imports in the first month of the current fiscal year, a significant increase from the NPR 442.1 million collected during the same period last year.