Nepal's secondhand economy is estimated to grow 35% year-on-year through 2026, driven by mobile-first platforms and a younger generation of value-conscious buyers.
The numbers tell a story that anyone selling on Troverve already knows intuitively: pre-owned goods are having a moment in Nepal. But is this a trend or a structural shift? Based on the data we're seeing, it's both.
The structural drivers
- check_circleSmartphone penetration has crossed 75% nationally, making mobile-first marketplaces accessible
- check_circleDigital payment adoption (eSewa, Khalti) removed the friction of cash transactions
- check_circleRising import costs have made new electronics and clothing more expensive
- check_circleA growing urban middle class with disposable income but price-sensitivity
What 2024 looks like
We expect the biggest growth categories in 2024 to be: mobile phones and accessories, branded apparel from imports, and home electronics. The seller demographic is also expanding — from individual sellers clearing old items to semi-professional resellers buying to flip, often through Troverve's bulk listing tools.
