Smartphone import continues to draw mixed results in Nepal as highlighted by the latest stats from Poush, FY 2080/81. The data from Customs Department show that Nepali traders brought in smartphones worth Rs 1.45 billion in Poush which is lower than that of Mangsir.
In Poush FY 2080/81, a total of 1 lakh, 12 thousand, and 305 units of smartphones were imported into Nepal. In comparison, 1 lakh, 31 thousand, and 655 units were brought in in Mangsir, FY 2080/81. This means 19 thousand, 350 less devices were brought into Nepal.
| Smartphone import Poush 2080/81 | Smartphone import Mangsir, FY 2080/81 | Difference | |
| 112,305 units (Rs 1.45 billion) | 131,655 units (Rs 2.06 arab) | 19,350 units↓ (Rs 0.61 crore↓) |
Likewise, during the month of Poush, the government generated 26 crore, 94 lakh, and 31 thousand in revenue from smartphone import.
Talking of the entire six months till Poush, Nepali mobile phone importers spent over Rs 15 billion to bring latest phones from various import partners. During this period, over 1.15 million smartphones entered Nepal.
Comparing year-to-year, 8 lakh, 95 thousand, 559 smartphone units were imported in Poush, FY 2079/80. The phones were worth a total of around Rs 14 billion.
Check out: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Price in Nepal
Why differing smartphone import results in Poush, FY 20080/81
Much of this has to do with the larger number of phone transactions before the festival period. In Ashoj, Nepali importers brought in a shopping 2.75 units of smartphones worth Rs 4 billion into Nepal targeting festive season. The stores are still not able to clear up the stocks.
Don’t forget to ensure that your device is regsitered in MDMS before you purchase a new one.
China, India imports highest phones
As regular, China and India continue to be the two largest smartphone import partners for Nepal. In Poush, FY 2080/81, 84 thousand, 656 of smartphone units’ worth over Rs 9.79 crore came from China while over 27 thousand devices worth over Rs 4.33 crore came from India.
| Smartphone import from China | Smartphone import from India |
| 84,656 units worth Rs 9.79 crore | 27,000 unis worth Rs 4.33 crore |
Nepali mobile device importers and traders expected the festival seasons would rekindle the market. After three months of the major festivities, the market continues to struggle. Nepal is a cost-sensitive market with phones under 20000 and 30000 making highest transactions. The best flagship phones also garner profound reception though.
What could be the factors of consistent struggle of smartphone market in Nepal? Is it due to people holding on to their devices for longer or simply because of the economic slowdown? Do offer your insights in the comments below. And don’t forget to share for how many years do you intend to keep your existing phone without buying a new one.
