Kathmandu: In a dramatic and unexpected development, the United States has taken Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro into custody following a surprise operation. According to reports, U.S. commandos entered Maduro’s residence around midnight on Friday and detained him along with his wife. The couple has since been flown to the United States.
The US government has said it will pursue serious charges against Maduro, including allegations related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. The operation has triggered widespread international criticism, with many countries condemning what they describe as a direct American attack on Venezuela.
Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, maintains limited trade links with Nepal. While the two countries do engage in bilateral commerce, the overall volume remains small.
Nepal’s total trade with Venezuela stands at roughly Rs 15 million, combining both imports and exports. According to data from Nepal’s Department of Customs, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to Rs 7.09 million during the first five months of the current fiscal year 2025/26.
During this period, Nepal imported goods worth Rs 3.93 million from Venezuela, while exports to Venezuela totalled Rs 3.16 million. As a result, Nepal recorded a trade deficit of about Rs 770,000 with Venezuela in the current fiscal year to date.
Imports from Venezuela this year mainly included 5,148 kilograms of cashew nuts valued at Rs 3.92 million, along with a small quantity of vehicle seats and processed food items worth around Rs 7,000. On the export side, Nepal shipped 362 kilograms of various antibiotics for retail sale, valued at Rs 3.16 million.
In the previous fiscal year 2024/25, bilateral trade between Nepal and Venezuela was higher, reaching Rs 13.47 million. Of this, Nepal imported goods worth Rs 7.62 million and exported products worth Rs 5.85 million, resulting in a trade deficit of Rs 1.77 million.
Customs data show that last year Nepal imported a wide range of items from Venezuela, including 50,000 kilograms of pulses valued at Rs 5.34 million, 100 scanners worth Rs 1.14 million, and four printer machines valued at Rs 469,000. Additional imports included vehicle bumpers, rubber gaskets, automotive glass and mirrors, engine air filters, and nuts and bolts.
Nepal’s exports to Venezuela during the same year were led by pharmaceutical products, with 669 kilograms of antibiotics for retail sale valued at Rs 5.74 million. Nepal also exported 65 kilograms of incense sticks worth Rs 100,000.
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