KATHMANDU: The import of digital gadgets, particularly smartphones, has surged in Nepal, with the country importing smartphones worth over Rs 3.46 billion in the last month alone (Saun).

This information was provided by the Customs Department.

The first month of the current fiscal year also saw a significant trade deficit of Rs 116.15 billion. During this period, Nepal conducted trade worth Rs 140.60 billion.

Nepal’s exports amounted to Rs 12.22 billion, while imports reached Rs 128.37 billion in the first month of the fiscal year.

However, compared to the same period last fiscal year, imports declined by 0.67 percent, and exports dropped by 9.63 percent.

In the past month, Nepal incurred a trade deficit of Rs 70.10 billion with India alone.

Imports from India totaled Rs 77.68 billion, while exports to India were valued at Rs 7.57 billion.

Additionally, Nepal’s trade with China recorded imports worth Rs 24.54 million, while exports amounted to Rs 157 million during the same period.

Nepal also faced trade deficits with Qatar, Ukraine, Australia, Bahrain, and Malaysia.