Bhutan's Major Imports: Machinery, Fuel, Food, Construction Materials

Import Profile (FY 2022/23)

Total imports ~Nu. 70B (≈$850M), >80% from India. Key categories:

1. Machinery & Equipment: Construction (excavators, bulldozers), industrial (turbines, transformers), vehicles, agricultural machinery.
2. Petroleum Products: Diesel, petrol, LPG, aviation fuel (100% imported; India supplier).
3. Foodstuffs: Rice (despite domestic production), wheat, edible oils, sugar, dairy, processed foods, pulses.
4. Cement & Clinker: For domestic construction (hydropower, urban).
5. Chemicals: Fertilizers (urea, DAP), pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals.
6. Textiles & Apparel: Fabrics, readymade garments (local weaving insufficient for demand).
7. Electronics & Appliances: Phones, computers, TVs, refrigerators, solar equipment.
8. Construction Materials: Steel (rebar, structural), glass, roofing, fixtures.
9. Vehicles: Cars, trucks, buses, two-wheelers (growing middle class).
10. Paper & Stationery: Printing, packaging, education.

Trade Dynamics

• India = 82% of imports (2022); others: China, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Korea.
• Trade deficit persistent; financed by hydropower exports, grants, remittances.
• Import licensing for restricted goods (vehicles, alcohol, tobacco).