Imports of mobile phone in Nepal have increased in the first three months of the current fiscal year (mid-July to mid-October 2024), according to the Department of Customs. Data for the review period show that 655,631 mobile phones, valued at Rs 9.83 billion, were imported into the country. During the corresponding period last year, Nepal imported 642,415 units of smart phones worth Rs 9.43 billion. This represents an increase of Rs 409.95 million in value and 13,216 units in quantity compared to the previous fiscal year.

For the period between mid-September to mid-October 2024 alone, 267,673 phones valued at Rs 3.12 billion were imported into the country. In the first month of the current fiscal year (mid-July to mid-August 2024), smart phones worth Rs 3.46 billion worth were imported while in mid-August to mid-September, the import value of mobile phones stood at Rs 3.34 billion.

The entire previous fiscal year (mid-July 2023 to mid-July 2024) saw a total import of 1,839,035 phones, amounting to Rs 28.66 billion.

Mobile phones rank among the top 10 most-imported items in Nepal, with the majority coming from China. In the first three months of the current fiscal year, China supplied 473,408 units of such phones worth Rs 6.35 billion, followed by India, which exported 180,742 units valued at Rs 3.33 billion.

Market Share by Brand

In Nepal, 65% of the market is shared between Xiaomi, Samsung, and Apple, with Xiaomi and Samsung alone covering about 51%. According to StatCounter Global Stats, Xiaomi leads with a 27.38% market share, followed by Samsung at 23.29%, and Apple at 14.33%. Realme, Vivo, and Oppo follow with 8%, 7.34%, and 7.02%, respectively.

While Xiaomi and Apple have gained market share by offering budget-friendly and high-end devices, respectively, Samsung's mid-range focus has led to a decline. In October 2023, Xiaomi held a 25.93% market share, increasing to 27.34% by September 2024, and Apple grew from 13.37% to 14.32%. Samsung, however, dropped from 25.6% in October 2023 to 23.3% by September 2024, losing 3% market share.

 

Breakdown of Mobile Imports:

Period	Quantity	Value (Rs)
FY 2023/24	1,839,035	28.66 billion
First 3 months of FY 2023/24	642,415	9.43 billion
First 3 months of FY 2024/25	655,631	9.83 billion
July 2024 (current FY)	225,163	3.46 billion
August 2024	229,795	3.34 billion
October 2024	267,673	3.12 billion