Nepal Imports More EVs from India than China in First Month of FY 2025/26

Disruptions at the Nepal-China border caused by floods and landslides have led to higher imports of electric four-wheelers (EVs) from India than from China in the first month of the current fiscal year 2025/26.

According to the Department of Customs, EV imports in the first month of this fiscal year fell compared to the same period last year, with shipments from China showing a sharp decline. As a result, India has emerged as the leading supplier.

The closure of both northern checkpoints, Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, due to natural disasters significantly affected imports from China. By mid-July, Nepal imported a total of 160 EVs, of which 85 came from India and 60 from China, with the remainder arriving from other countries. In the same period last fiscal year, Nepal had imported 381 EVs, including 202 from China and 178 from India.

Not a Long-term Shift

General Secretary of the Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), Surendra Kumar Upreti, explained that the dip in imports from China is temporary, driven by border closures. He noted that once the checkpoints reopen, imports of Chinese EVs are expected to surge again.

Chinese brands such as BYD, Nami, Omoda, Chery, Seres, and Deepal dominate Nepal’s EV market, while India primarily exports Tata and Mahindra EVs. Upreti emphasized that the current dominance of Indian EVs is only due to temporary disruption.

The devastating flood of July 8 washed away the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa, completely halting trade through Rasuwagadhi. Similarly, landslides along the Araniko Highway blocked the Kodari section, keeping Tatopani checkpoint closed for 18 days. The closure even forced organizers of the NADA Auto Show to transport a flying car imported from China manually across the border.

Tatopani Customs Information Officer Surya Prasad Kafle confirmed that the border closures disrupted imports of EVs and other goods for over two weeks. He added that with checkpoints now gradually reopening, trade volumes are expected to recover. Nepal primarily imports EVs from China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and the United States.