This report analyzes Bhutan’s agricultural commodity imports over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024. The analysis is based on secondary data from the Bhutan Trade Statistics (BTS), specifically Bhutan Trade Classification (BTC) Sections 01, 02, and 03, covering Chapters 01 to 15, which are directly related to agricultural commodities. The data has been validated with insights from officials of Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC), and Policy and Planning Division (PPD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
The main objective of the report is to offer a detailed assessment of Bhutan’s agricultural import over the five years period from 2020 to 2024. It begins by presenting data on the volume and value of imports in 2024, followed by analysis of trends across major commodities during the period 2020-2024. The report further examines total import values, the composition of imports, and the top commodities by both value and volume.
The findings show that agricultural imports increased drastically from 2020 to 2024, with a remarkable spike in 2021 likely due to stockpiling of essential commodities during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Cereal, dairy products, and animal/vegetable fats and oils have dominated Bhutan’s agricultural imports during this period. Although the growth rate moderated in subsequent years, imports of cereals, bovine meat, vegetables, and processed foods remained high.
Click here to view full report
