Import Value of Digital Devices Rises, Signaling Higher Costs for Consumers

Although the import volume of digital devices has increased moderately in the current fiscal year 2025/26 (2082/83 BS), the import value of smartphones, laptops, routers, and other electronic equipment has risen significantly. While this has contributed to higher government revenue, it also indicates a growing financial burden on consumers due to rising prices.

Over the past six months, global shortages of RAM (memory), adjustments in supply chains, and increasing demand for premium devices have pushed up international prices of digital products. This trend has directly impacted the Nepali market as well.

According to data released by the Department of Customs, more than 1.25 million smartphones were imported into Nepal during the first six months of the current fiscal year. The total import value reached NPR 23.29 billion, generating government revenue of over NPR 4.34 billion.

In the same period last fiscal year, around 1.11 million smartphones were imported with a total value of NPR 16.71 billion. This reflects an increase of nearly 24 percent in smartphone import value this year. Since October, the average import cost per smartphone has increased by 15–16 percent, leading to higher retail prices.

Laptop and notebook imports have also grown. During the first six months of the fiscal year, more than 75,000 laptops entered the country with an import value exceeding NPR 5.25 billion. Government revenue from laptop imports stood at nearly NPR 1 billion. Compared to last year, the average price per laptop has increased by around 1.6 percent.

Router imports have also risen in number, exceeding 489,000 units this fiscal year. Although the average annual import cost per router appears slightly lower, data shows that between October and mid-January, the per-unit import price increased by approximately 6–7 percent.

Meanwhile, SIM card imports have surged by more than threefold compared to the previous year. By mid-January, over 3.28 million SIM cards had been imported into Nepal.

Imports of other digital accessories such as smartwatches, memory cards, computer mice, and keyboards show mixed trends. Overall, the rising import value of digital devices suggests that technology products are becoming increasingly expensive for Nepali consumers.