Les exportations népalaises de textiles et de vêtements épreuves, succès et perspectives d’avenir

This research paper by Paras Kharel, Kshitiz Dahal, and Dikshya Singh examines the challenges and opportunities facing Nepal's textile and clothing export sector as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The authors analyze structural barriers to competitiveness, the role of niche markets and craftsmanship in industry survival, and the need for a shift in government policy from direct subsidies to institutional coordination and business development services.

• Nepal's overall export performance has declined significantly over the last 25 years, with goods and services exports as a percentage of GDP falling from 26.3% in 1997 to 6.8% in 2022. Merchandise exports specifically dropped from 13.1% of GDP in 1999 to 2.9% in 2022, leaving worker remittances (22.7% of GDP in 2022) as the primary source of foreign currency.
• The textile and clothing sector remains a critical component of Nepal's merchandise exports, accounting for 31.5% in 2022. The industry has shifted from mass production ('cut-make-trim') to more sustainable competitiveness based on unique craftsmanship, niche branding, and LDC preferential market access.
• Nepal's hand-knotted wool carpets hold 12% of the global market share. This success is attributed to the ability of small production units to handle customized orders, high consistent quality, and strong brand recognition, which allows them to compete against lower-cost producers like India.
• Severe competitiveness constraints include high logistics costs due to Nepal's landlocked status and lack of direct access to western Indian ports, leading to unit costs at least 25% higher than Bangladeshi competitors for clothing and 25% higher than Indian competitors for carpets.
• Labor shortages are a critical issue, driven by a lack of skilled workers and the tendency of the younger generation to emigrate rather than work long hours for low pay, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley where most production is concentrated.
• Graduating from LDC status poses significant risks, including the loss of tariff preferences. A SAWTEE study suggests clothing exports could see a weighted average tariff increase of 6.7% (or 1.4% if eligible for EU GSP+), while a WTO study estimates a 13.3% decrease in clothing exports due to higher duties.
• Current government support is criticized for relying on inefficient ad valorem export subsidies and failing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that lack infrastructure and are located too far from Kathmandu's air freight hubs. The authors argue for a shift toward market information, trade fair participation, and inter-institutional coordination.

APA

Kharel, P., Dahal, K., & Singh, D. (n.d.). Les exportations népalaises de textiles et de vêtements épreuves, succès et perspectives d’avenir. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/nepal-textiles-clothing-exports

Chicago

Kharel, Paras, Kshitiz Dahal, and Dikshya Singh. Les exportations népalaises de textiles et de vêtements épreuves, succès et perspectives d’avenir. International Institute for Sustainable Development, n.d. https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/nepal-textiles-clothing-exports.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kharel |first1=Paras |last2=Dahal |first2=Kshitiz |last3=Singh |first3=Dikshya |title=Les exportations népalaises de textiles et de vêtements épreuves, succès et perspectives d’avenir |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |url=https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/nepal-textiles-clothing-exports |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kharelndles, author = {Kharel, Paras and Dahal, Kshitiz and Singh, Dikshya}, title = {{Les exportations népalaises de textiles et de vêtements épreuves, succès et perspectives d’avenir}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/nepal-textiles-clothing-exports}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }