Nepal has imported playing cards worth Rs61.1 million in just the first two months of the current fiscal year, according to data from the Department of Customs. The demand for playing cards, particularly high during the festive seasons like Dashain and Tihar, has driven significant imports from countries such as China, India, the US, and the UK.

A total of 2,007,892 decks of playing cards were brought into the country during this period, generating Rs35.2 million in revenue for the government. Playing cards are widely used for leisure activities, and also in gambling practices during Nepal’s major festivals.

In comparison, Rs64.4 million worth of playing cards were imported during the same two months last fiscal year, yielding Rs40.4 million in revenue. The data also shows that China was the largest exporter of playing cards to Nepal, contributing Rs52.1 million of the total imports this year, followed by India at Rs9 million.

Last fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal imported playing cards worth Rs321.8 million, with China and India being the major sources, contributing Rs282.3 million and Rs 26.8 million, respectively. Smaller quantities were also imported from countries like the US and Spain.

In the previous fiscal year (2022/23), playing card imports stood at Rs 212.7 million, with Rs 187.6 million worth imported from China, Rs 21.5 million from India, and Rs 3.5 million from Brazil.

The rising import figures suggest a steady demand for playing cards in Nepal, particularly during the festive seasons, with millions being spent annually on their procurement from international markets.