Sourcing from Nepal: Rising Exports to China for Tea, Pashmina & Carpets
If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of Nepali orthodox tea from Ilam or admired a handwoven pashmina shawl from Kathmandu, you may not realize that these products are now attracting growing attention in China. While Nepal’s exports have traditionally focused on India, a new trend of rising trade with China is reshaping the export landscape.
Sourcing from Nepal is evolving, with woolen carpets, pashmina, incense, and orthodox tea increasingly in demand across Chinese markets. This shift presents exciting opportunities for international buyers to engage in ethical sourcing Nepal, explore bulk export from Nepal, and access high-quality handmade products.
At Sourcing Nepal, we help global brands tap into these trends by connecting them with verified suppliers Nepal, ensuring consistent quality, and supporting private labeling and white labeling services for exclusive product lines.
Why Nepal–China Trade Is Growing
For decades, India has been Nepal’s dominant trading partner. But in recent years, China has emerged as a valuable alternative market, driven by:
- The reopening of the Gyirong border, easing trade flows.
- Growing interest in authentic, handmade in Nepal products.
- Stronger demand for niche, high-value exports like pashmina, woolen carpets, incense, and orthodox tea.
Recent trade data highlights this shift:
- Woolen carpets: +84% exports to China
- Pashmina: +45%
- Agarbatti (incense sticks): +21%
Meanwhile, noodles, some handicrafts, and rudraksha beads have declined, showing that Chinese buyers prioritize premium and authentic goods.
Carpets, Pashmina & Incense: Niche Products Driving Growth
Nepali carpets and pashmina have long been celebrated globally, but Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking export-quality handmade in Nepal products. Cities like Lhasa, Chengdu, and Beijing are showing rising demand for these artisanal goods, creating opportunities for global brands.
Similarly, Nepali incense (agarbatti)—made with natural herbs and resins—is gaining popularity in homes and temples across China, thanks to its cultural authenticity and traditional production methods.
These trends indicate that sourcing from Nepal is not just about exporting raw materials—it’s about delivering culturally rich, high-quality products that appeal to discerning consumers.
Tea Exports: Brewing Success with China
Nepali orthodox tea is a prime example of this growth story. Traditionally, tea was sold at lower prices to Indian traders NPR 200/kg, but Chinese buyers now pay premium rates NPR 1,600/kg.
The reopening of the Gyirong border and streamlined customs processes have facilitated direct trade, while China has supported Nepali producers with equipment and training to maintain export-quality Nepal standards.
Through verified suppliers Nepal and robust international logistics Nepal, Sourcing Nepal ensures global buyers can source bulk exports of tea efficiently.
Winners and Losers in the Chinese Market
While woolen carpets, pashmina, incense, and tea are thriving, some exports like noodles and certain handicrafts have declined sharply. This underscores that China’s market favors premium, authentic, and ethically sourced productsover mass-produced items.
For international buyers, partnering with a best sourcing company in Nepal ensures access to products that meet high standards, maintain authenticity, and are ready for global markets.
Strategic Implications for Buyers
- Diversify Beyond India – Accessing China reduces reliance on a single market.
- Focus on Premium & Ethical Products – Authentic, high-quality exports get better pricing and sustainable demand.
- Seamless Logistics – Improved international logistics Nepal makes exporting easier and reliable.
- Private Label & White Label Opportunities – From teas to pashmina and carpets, brands can launch exclusive collections using Nepal’s artisanal products.
How Sourcing Nepal Supports Global Buyers
At Sourcing Nepal, we do more than just connect buyers and suppliers—we help turn emerging trade trends into successful business ventures:
- Work only with verified suppliers Nepal, ensuring reliability and quality.
- Support ethical sourcing Nepal, promoting local artisans and fair trade.
- Facilitate bulk export from Nepal with end-to-end international logistics Nepal.
- Provide private labeling and white labeling services, helping brands create exclusive product lines with Nepali craftsmanship.
- Deliver handmade in Nepal, export-quality carpets, pashmina, incense, and orthodox tea ready for international markets.
This makes Sourcing Nepal the best sourcing company in Nepal for businesses looking to expand into China and other global markets.
Conclusion: Nepal–China Trade Is Opening New Doors
Nepal’s rising exports to China are more than statistics—they represent a shift toward premium, niche, and ethical products. With woolen carpets, pashmina, incense, and orthodox tea leading the way, international buyers can now source from Nepal with confidence, scale bulk exports, and access private label or white label Nepal services if needed.
At Sourcing Nepal, we make this process seamless, connecting you with verified suppliers, handling logistics, and bringing authentic Nepali products to new markets. The growth in China is just the beginning—Nepal’s niche exports are ready to reach the world.
