Import Disruption at Northern Border Points Hits Traders and Consumers Alike

Chinese authorities have imposed unspecified restrictions on imports through the Tatopani border point, compounding the pressure on traders already affected by the closure of the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint.

A sharp decline in imports through the Tatopani Customs Office has taken a toll on traders and consumers in Nepal. The situation worsened after the devastating flood in Tibet’s Lhende River on July 8 washed away the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, halting trade through the key Nepal–China corridor. As a result, more traders have been relying on Tatopani for imports.

Although the Korala border was opened as an alternative route, it has not proved effective, leaving Tatopani as the only viable trade route with China at present.

According to Ramesh Bahadur Shah, information officer at the Tatopani Customs Office, imports have been restricted in recent weeks as Chinese authorities tightened controls for unspecified reasons.

“Earlier, around 25 to 30 trucks used to pass daily through Tatopani, but now only 14 to 15 trucks are allowed,” Shah said. “Priority is being given to perishable goods such as fruits.”

He added that Chinese authorities have not provided any official explanation for the restrictions.

“In informal communication through WeChat, Chinese officials cited traffic management issues on their side as the reason for the limited movement of goods,” he said, adding that there are no road problems on the Nepali side.

Traders have complained that the limited clearance of goods through the customs office has put them in difficulty. With Chinese imports disrupted, they have been forced to import goods from India, Bangkok, and other countries at higher prices.

Ram Hari Karki, president of the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association, said the import of goods has been severely affected as both the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani routes are not functioning smoothly.

“Out of the 14–15 trucks entering daily, only two to three carry clothing and electronic goods,” he said. “This has led to shortages of winter essentials and rising prices, forcing consumers to pay more.”

400 trucks stranded across the border for four months

Around 400 trucks loaded with goods have remained stranded at the Chinese customs yard for four months since the Lhende River flood destroyed the Friendship Bridge. The stranded consignments include clothing, footwear, and cosmetics imported for the Teej, Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals. Traders fear the goods—some of which were soaked during the flood—could be damaged due to prolonged exposure.

Karki said the association has repeatedly urged local authorities and the government to resolve the issue, but no concrete decision has been made. “The prolonged obstruction has severely affected small traders,” he said.

Truckers urge reopening of Kerung border

Trade between Nepal and China has been completely halted since the flood washed away the Friendship Bridge at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point, damaging hundreds of trucks and containers. The Nepal Truck Transport Entrepreneurs’ Federation on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging the government to facilitate the return of nearly 300 stranded containers and resume cross-border movement.

According to the federation’s General Secretary, Rajendra Bikram Baniya, transporters are facing severe financial distress due to the prolonged disruption. The federation said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured positive action.

Meanwhile, the Mechanical Office of the Department of Roads in Nuwakot has estimated that repairing seven damaged trucks in the Rasuwagadhi area would cost around Rs 2.43 million.

The federation warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, trade activities will be further affected, and urged both the Nepali and Chinese governments to reach a prompt agreement to reopen the Kerung border.