Home / Business and Economy / Nepal Herbs Fuel Xizang's Medicine Boom: Imports Soar 189%
Nepal Herbs Fuel Xizang's Medicine Boom: Imports Soar 189%
12 May
Summary
- Plant-based medicinal imports from Nepal to Xizang surged 189% in Q1 2026.
- Key Nepalese herbs like dendrobium and polygonatum are vital for Tibetan medicine.
- Lhasa Customs facilitated imports, doubling approved plant varieties since 2023.
Imports of plant-based medicinal materials from Nepal to China's Xizang autonomous region experienced an unprecedented surge, climbing 189 percent year-on-year to 27.5 metric tons during the first quarter of 2026. This significant growth underscores the deepening economic and cultural connections fostered by traditional medicine.
The Tibetan medicine industry increasingly relies on high-value Nepalese herbs such as dendrobium and polygonatum. These ingredients are integral to traditional remedies and represent a vital component of bilateral trade cooperation between Nepal and Xizang.
Lhasa Customs has been instrumental in this expansion, implementing measures to facilitate imports. Efforts include surveying Nepalese medicinal plants and creating a comprehensive database. Consequently, the number of approved Nepalese medicinal plant varieties for import has nearly doubled from 16 in 2023 to 31 in 2026, with registered overseas producers growing from four to ten.
Guo Xiong of Lhasa Customs stressed the commitment to safety and quality. "By conducting stringent inspections and preventing invasive pests, we aim to ensure efficient clearance and maintain high standards," he stated. This flourishing integration of Tibetan medicinal practices and Nepali herbal resources signifies a milestone for traditional medicine and advances economic partnerships across the Himalayan region.
