Kathmandu: Traders have been left in limbo as Nepal’s northern border points with China remain closed during the peak season for Dashain festival imports.
Nepal, which heavily relies on China — its second-largest trading partner — for clothing, automobiles, household goods, and electronics, is facing mounting concerns with just a month left before the country’s biggest festival.
The disruption began on July 8 when floods swept away the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, halting the movement of both people and goods. Similarly, the Tatopani checkpoint in Sindhupalchok has remained blocked for two weeks due to landslides.
The sudden closures caused by natural disasters have stranded hundreds of containers and trucks carrying imported goods along the route, leaving traders burdened with heavy costs.
Given the recurring nature of such disruptions, the Nepal Freight Forwarders Association has urged the government to open alternative checkpoints with China, restore blocked routes through diplomatic efforts, and improve infrastructure at other feasible points.
Back in 2015, the Development Committee of Parliament had recommended opening the Korala and Olangchungola checkpoints after a field study of northern trade routes. Nearly a decade ago, senior officials of Nepal and China had agreed in principle to open seven northern border points: Tatopani (Sindhupalchowk), Korala (Mustang), Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), Lamabagar (Dolakha), Olangchungola (Taplejung), Mugu’s Anjapas, Humla’s Yari Hilsa, and Larke (Gorkha). However, to date, only Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani have been operational for trade.
The Korala checkpoint is considered viable for year-round trade, with infrastructure already prepared on the Chinese side and road access in place on the Nepali side. Similarly, studies suggest that Olangchungola could also serve as a viable trade route. Experts argue that these points, along with other promising routes, should be opened promptly for commercial purposes.
China remains Nepal’s second-largest import partner. Recent trade statistics indicate a growing reliance on northern border routes. According to the Department of Customs, in the last fiscal year 2024/25, imports worth over Rs 50 billion passed through Tatopani, while more than Rs 85 billion worth of goods entered via Rasuwagadhi.
Highlighting the losses, the Nepal Freight Forwarders Association stressed that the seasonal closures of Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani during monsoon have severely hindered festival-targeted imports, restricted consumer access to affordable goods, and deprived the government of potential revenues. The association has called for immediate diplomatic and infrastructural measures to open additional checkpoints for trade with China.
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