Nepal Imports 67,529 Tonnes of Masoor Dal in FY 2081/82 as Import Mix Shifts Toward Whole Lentils

Kathmandu — Nepal imported approximately 67,529 tonnes of Masoor Dal (red lentils) during fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), according to Nepal’s foreign-trade statistics. The imports were recorded under the two main Customs classifications for red lentils—HS 07134010 and HS 07134090. The Department of Customs publishes annual and cumulative foreign-trade statistics by commodity and fiscal period, while the Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC) provides the corresponding foreign-trade datasets. Whole lentils account for majority of imports According to the FY 2081/82 data, Nepal imported around 59.66 million kg under HS 07134010, classified as dried red lentils, unskinned and unsplit. A further 7.87 million kg was recorded under HS 07134090. Combined, the two classifications amount to approximately 67.53 million kg, or 67,529 tonnes. The data indicate that about 88% of the combined volume was recorded under the whole-red-lentil classification. Why the import data matters Masoor Dal is an important commodity in Nepal’s food market, and import trends can provide an early indication of changes in market supply. However, import volume alone does not determine domestic prices. The Nepal market can also be affected by: - International lentil prices - Prices in major supplying countries - Currency exchange rates - Freight and transportation costs - Import costs and duties - Domestic inventories - Wholesale demand - Seasonal consumption Therefore, a rise in imports does not automatically mean that wholesale prices will fall, while a decline in imports does not necessarily guarantee a price increase. Import value is another key indicator For market analysis, NepalCommodity will also track the value of imported Masoor Dal relative to its quantity. The basic indicator is: Import value per kg = Total import value ÷ Total import quantity This provides an indication of the value of incoming shipments. It should not, however, be interpreted as Nepal’s final wholesale or retail selling price. Tracking this figure over several months can help identify whether the cost of new Masoor shipments is increasing or decreasing. Monthly data can provide a clearer picture The Department of Customs publishes foreign-trade statistics for different periods of the fiscal year, while TEPC publishes downloadable foreign-trade datasets. This makes it possible to monitor the Masoor import pipeline rather than relying only on annual figures. NepalCommodity plans to track: Import quantity → Import value → Import value/kg → Country of origin → Customs entry point → Domestic wholesale price This combination can provide a stronger picture of the Masoor Dal market than individual news reports. What traders should watch For wholesalers, retailers and other market participants, the key indicators in the coming months will be: 📦 Import volume: Is the quantity of incoming Masoor increasing or decreasing? 💰 Import value: Is Nepal spending more or less on imported lentils? 💵 Import value/kg: Is the cost of incoming Masoor rising? 🌏 Origin countries: Is Nepal's supply becoming more concentrated in particular markets? 🏪 Domestic wholesale price: Are changes in import conditions being reflected in Nepal’s wholesale market? NepalCommodity Market View Market status: WATCH The FY 2081/82 data show a substantial Masoor Dal import pipeline, with approximately 67,529 tonnes recorded under the two principal red-lentil classifications. The strong concentration in the whole-lentil category is also notable. The more important question for the current market, however, is what the FY 2082/83 import trend is showing. NepalCommodity will track the latest Customs and TEPC data alongside domestic wholesale prices to determine whether supply conditions are becoming tighter, more comfortable or remaining stable. Import statistics are an indicator—not a standalone price forecast. NepalCommodity will continue monitoring Masoor Dal through HS-code data + import trends + wholesale prices to provide a data-driven view of the market. Source: Department of Customs, Government of Nepal; Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC).