Border Closures Hit Nepal’s EV Imports; Smartphone Shipments Rise

Nepal’s electric vehicle (EV) imports have fallen sharply ahead of the Dashain festival after the closure of its two key northern border points with China—Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani.

The Rasuwagadhi crossing has remained shut since July 8, when floods in Tibet’s Lhendhe Khola swept away the Friendship Bridge, while Tatopani only resumed operations this Monday.

According to the Department of Customs, EV imports during the first two months of the current fiscal year 2025/26 dropped to 1,594 units worth Rs 1.40 billion, compared to 4,818 units worth Rs 4.27 billion in the same period last year. Imports of four-wheeler EVs fell to 486 units from 1,602 units a year earlier. Only 240 four-wheelers entered from China during mid-July to mid-September, down from 1,125 units last year.

The department released the figures on Tuesday, attributing the decline to problems at the northern checkpoints. Pushkar Ojha, vice president of the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal, said the disruption has even affected deliveries of vehicles booked at the recent NADA Auto Show.

“In previous years many vehicles were sold by Ghatasthapana, but this year the ordered vehicles haven’t arrived, so we can’t deliver them,” he said, adding that some booked EVs are now coming through the Korala border.

The Korala point, which became fully operational on September 15, has emerged as Nepal’s third international trade gateway with China. Nepal Rastra Bank has issued a notice permitting imports via letters of credit through this route. However, spokesperson for the Department of Customs Kishor Bartala noted that Korala cannot operate year-round due to heavy snowfall in winter.

Smartphone and laptop imports surge

While EV shipments plunged, imports of consumer electronics surged. Nepal brought in 500,000 smartphones worth Rs 8.88 billion in the first two months of 2025/26, up from 454,958 units worth Rs 6.71 billion a year earlier. Laptop and notebook imports also edged higher to about 27,500 units worth Rs 1.83 billion, from 26,633 units worth Rs 1.80 billion in the same period last year.

Retailers attribute the steady rise in smartphone imports to growing mobile banking and online learning, as well as wider access to social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. Kailash Pradhan, secretary-general of the Mobile Phone Importers Association, said festive discounts and special offers during Dashain and Tihar also drive seasonal demand.

Traders report strong customer interest in large-screen smartphones with better battery life, improved cooling, and smooth performance for gaming, video streaming, and mobile banking—fueling demand for high-capacity models.

Imports of induction cookers and TVs decline

In contrast, imports of some household appliances fell. Induction stoves and rice cookers dropped to 66,000 units worth Rs 160 million, from around 100,000 units worth Rs 174 million last year. Television imports decreased to 23,500 units worth Rs 485 million, compared to 20,900 units worth Rs 521 million in the same period a year ago.