Bhutan
3.5 Bhutan Food and Additional Suppliers
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Overview

In Bhutan agriculture provides a livelihood to around 60% of the population and consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Of Bhutan’s 7.8 % arable land, only 2.93 % is under cultivation. Therefore, Bhutan imports most of its food commodities from India. Main items imported are rice, meat, dairy products and vegetables.

According to trade statistics, the country in  2015 imported 83,646.083 MT rice and  spent  BTN  1.6  billion (USD 24 million).  In 2016, the country imported rice worth BTN 1.9 billion (USD 29 million). While Bhutan exports cardamom, potatoes, apples and oranges to India and Bangladesh.

In 2016 alone Bhutan imported BTN 1.54 billion (USD 24 million) worth of rice from India. While Bhutan exports cardamom, potatoes, apples and oranges to India and Bangladesh.

Top items imported by Bhutan in 2016 include vehicles, petroleum products and food while top exports include electricity, cement and minerals.

Phuentsholing is the main entry point for Bhutan and hence the main business hub where most of the trade takes place. 90% of food commodities that enter Bhutan come from India. Manufacturing capacity of Bhutan, in terms of food, is limited to juices, jams, vegetable oils, chips, pickles and other beverages.


The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC):

http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/btn/

 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

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