The import of electric vehicles (EVs) and other electronic goods has been consistently rising in recent years. According to the Department of Customs, imports in the first seven months (until mid-February) of the current fiscal year 2024/25 have increased compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year 2023/24.

By mid-February of the current fiscal year, Nepal imported 80,600 units of three-wheelers, cars, jeeps, and other EVs, amounting to Rs 16.34 billion. This marks an increase of Rs 290 million compared to the same period last year when EV imports stood at Rs 16.05 billion with the imports of 69,200 units. Nepal primarily imports EVs from China, India, South Korea, Germany, and the United States.

Industry experts attribute the rise in EV imports to lower customs duties on EVs compared to internal combustion vehicles (ICVs). Former president of the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal, Krishna Dulal, stated that the government’s tax benefits on EVs have significantly contributed to this growth. Additionally, the expansion of charging stations across Kathmandu Valley and other regions has increased consumer interest in EVs.

The import of laptops and notebooks has also surged. By mid-February, Nepal imported 75,700 units of such gadgets worth Rs 5.18 billion, compared to 68,500 units worth Rs 4.42 billion during the same period last year.

Similarly, smartphone imports have also increased. In the first seven months of the previous fiscal year, Nepal imported 1.126 million smartphones worth Rs 17.38 billion. This year, imports have increased to 1.23 million units, amounting to Rs 18.98 billion.

Business analysts suggest that the rising internet penetration, increased mobile-based bill payments, online learning, and the widespread use of social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok have fueled smartphone demand.

Induction cookers and rice cookers are also among the electronic items with increased imports. Last fiscal year, Nepal imported 187,000 units of these appliances worth Rs 298.1 million. However, by mid-February of this fiscal year, imports surged to 303,000 units, valued at Rs 486.7 million.

According to Sudarshan Poudel, former president of the Nepal Electrical Entrepreneurs’ Association, the end of load-shedding in Nepal has led to a shift from LPG (cooking gas) to electric cooking appliances. The government's policy to reduce gas consumption and promote electric stoves has further boosted their import. Additionally, the affordability of induction stoves compared to LPG has made them more appealing to consumers.

Following India's border blockade in 2015, the Government of Nepal prioritised electric cooking appliances over fuel-based alternatives. In the fiscal year 2022/23, then-Finance Minister Janardan Sharma even banned the use of LPG for cooking inside the Singha Durbar, the administrative centre of the government.

The import of television sets has also surged this fiscal year. By mid-February, Nepal imported 57,200 units of various types of televisions worth Rs 1.58 billion, compared to 32,900 units worth Rs 650 million during the same period last year.