An assessment of export-import performances of Nepal’s wood sector: market landscape and trade indices analysis

The prevailing gap in knowledge surrounding to the export-import performance of Nepal’s forestry sector limits the ability to properly understand the sector in general, and particularly the competitive position of the wood sector. Adopting four assessment tools: RCA, RTA, TCI, and MSI, the export-import performance of six selected wood products were evaluated. Recognizing the uniqueness and non-substitutability features of carved wood products, the paper proposes targeting an international niche market and adopting a product differentiation strategy. The paper concludes by proposing recommendations for revisiting policies to enhance access to input products for domestic industries, support technology transfer, and create market demand for domestic timber, at least in public-financed construction works.