Nepal’s smartphone imports show an increase in average spending despite a decline in total units. Over 1.1 million smartphones, valued at Rs. 16.71 billion, were imported in the last six months, with the average cost per unit reaching Rs. 15,000. Import duties contributed over three billion rupees.
Deepak Malhotra, Chairman of the Mobile Importers’ Association, attributed the decline in volume to Nepali consumers upgrading from basic smartphones to more advanced models, with higher-end phones like Samsung’s S24 seeing stronger sales. The trend highlights a shift towards higher-value devices, driven by advanced features such as AI support.
