Phone imports seemed to have improved Nepal’s smartphone business in Nepal as importers spent Rs 2 billion on buying handsets in Poush in the current fiscal year (FY) 2079/80. However, the smartphone market remains in want of higher figures to indicate its restoration.
The customs department’s latest data shows that in Poush, Nepali phone sellers and distributers imported smartphones worth Rs 1 billion, 80 crores, 17 lakhs, and 92 thousand. In Mangsir, they spent 1 billion, 9 crores, 82 lakhs, 2 thousand, and 793 on buying smartphones marking a growth spending of over Rs 70 crores.
| Spending on phone imports in Poush, FY 2079/80 | Spending on phone import in Mangsir, FY 2079/80 | Growth |
| Rs 1.8 billion | Rs 1.9 billion | Rs 70 crores↑ |
The data highlights that 8 lakh 95 thousand, 579 units of phones were brought into Nepal in the first six months of the current FY. Likewise, Rs 13 billion, 98 lakhs, 88 thousand, and 379 was spent on phone imports. It is the record of phone imports from Shrawan to the end of Poush of FY 2079/80. In the meantime, the government collected Rs 2 billion, 42 crores, 79 lakhs, 86 thousand, and 407 in revenue.
Phone imports and revenue
Till Mangsir, the Nepali businesses spent Rs 11 billion, 20 crores, 80 lakhs, 95 thousand, and 899 on smartphones. Till then, Nepali sellers brought 8 lakhs, 3 thousand, and 818 units of phones in the country. The government generated Rs 2 billion, 9 crores, 17 lakhs, 80 thousand, and 556 in revenue.
| Phone import till Poush FY 2079/80 | Phone import till Mangsir FY 2079/80 | Difference between the two months |
| 8,95,579 units/ Rs 2.42 billion revenue | 8,03,818 units/ Rs 2.9 billion revenue | 91,761 units/ Rs 50 crore (approx.) |
The government of Nepal had imposed a ban on the imports of phones worth $300 and above and on other luxury products to conserve dollar reserves. The infamous phone ban was, however, lifted in December 2022.
Check out: Best Phones Under Rs 30000 in Nepal | Latest 2023 Update
The phone market is yet to restore to normal!
The data above reflects a slight increase in spending on phone imports. However, Mobile Phone Importers Association Vice-Chairman Sanjay Agrawal is not satisfied. He expressed that he is not yet content with the smartphone business’ health in Nepal at the moment.
“The delay in full MDMS implementation has paved way for grey phones’ entry into the Nepali smartphone business. Besides, the reduced purchasing power of the consumers has also contributed to a smaller number of phone purchases,” Agrawal said. Earlier, MDMS launch was canceled following the directive by PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
The data also shows that Nepal imports phones from 57 countries. China represents the majority of smartphone imports into Nepal. India, Finland, Australia, Kuwait, etc. are other mobile phone-importing partners of Nepal. The bank kept mid-range to flagship devices away from Nepal however, phones worth $300 and above are now coming in via the right channel in Nepal. Check out: Best Smartphones Of 2022 in Nepal | Budget to Flagship Phone
After the phone ban ended, Apple devices also started entering Nepal. Now, you can buy iPhone 14 series phones in Nepal. You can buy Apple 14 Pro Max in Nepal.
Do you want MDMS launched in Nepal with the controversial customs charges on mobile phones or want a revision to the regulation? You can share and help us in our survey below in the comments.
