Apr 21, Kathmandu - Nepal has experienced a significant surge in smartphone imports, with over NPR 3.3 billion worth of devices brought into the country in the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2082/83.

According to customs department data, between mid-July and the end of March, a total of NPR 33.82 billion worth of smartphones were imported. During this period, approximately 1.67 million smartphones entered Nepal.

Compared to the same period last year, smartphone imports have seen a remarkable increase. Last year, by the end of March, imports were valued at NPR 25.38 billion, with around 1.58 million units imported.

This year, the number of smartphones imported has increased by nearly 90,000 units, and the total import value has risen by approximately NPR 8.5 billion. The data indicates a growing demand for expensive and modern smartphones in the Nepali market.

The rise in imports is attributed to the government's removal of restrictions on luxury goods imports and the increased availability of new model phones in the market.