KATHMANDU : Nepal imported nearly 16,000 passenger vehicles during the fiscal year 2025/26, according to the latest data released by the Department of Customs on Thursday.
A total of 15,806 cars, SUVs and vans were imported during the fiscal year. This figure includes both electric vehicles (EVs) and petrol-powered models.
Compared to the previous fiscal year, total vehicle imports declined by 10.8%, or 1,914 units. Nepal had imported 17,720 passenger vehicles in FY 2024/25.
The total value of imported passenger vehicles stood at Rs. 30.24 billion, while the government collected Rs. 26.06 billion in customs revenue. In comparison, vehicle imports were worth Rs. 36.44 billion in the previous fiscal year.
The decline was largely driven by excess inventory in the market. Ahead of last year’s national budget, importers rushed to bring in around 5,500 vehicles amid expectations of higher taxes. As demand slowed, many of those vehicles remained in stock, reducing the need for fresh imports during FY 2025/26.
EV imports drop sharply
Electric vehicle imports recorded a significant decline during the fiscal year.
Nepal imported 10,847 electric cars, SUVs and vans, down 20.11% from 13,578 units in FY 2024/25. This represents a drop of 2,731 vehicles.
The total value of imported EVs reached Rs. 25.56 billion, while the government collected Rs. 15.47 billion in revenue from EV imports.
By power category, Nepal imported 3,680 EVs with motors up to 50 kW, 6,357 units in the 51-100 kW segment, 798 units in the 101-200 kW category, and 10 units with motors above 200 kW. The country also imported two unassembled EVs with motor outputs of up to 50 kW.
Petrol vehicle imports rise
While EV imports declined, petrol-powered vehicle imports increased during the fiscal year.
Nepal imported 4,959 petrol cars, SUVs and vans, up 19.72%, or 817 units, compared to 4,142 units in the previous fiscal year.
Hyundai remained the dominant player in the petrol vehicle segment. Of the total petrol vehicle imports, 2,280 units were imported as completely knocked down (CKD) kits for local assembly.
Hyundai is currently the only automaker assembling passenger vehicles in Nepal. The company locally assembles the Creta and Venue models.
