Korala Emerging as Key Nepal-China Trade Route with Rs 11 Billion Turnover in Three Months

Trade through the Korala checkpoint surged to Rs 11.01 billion within three months of its full operation, positioning Mustang Customs as a key gateway for Nepal–China commerce amid disruptions at other northern border points.

According to Mustang Customs Chief Ramesh Khadka, the Nepal–China Korala checkpoint, which came into full operation on September 15, recorded imports and exports worth Rs 11.01 billion by December 25. Of the total trade volume, goods worth Rs 10.83 billion were imported from China into Nepal.

Exports from Nepal, including handicrafts and other locally produced items, amounted to Rs 189.78 million, Khadka said.

The Korala checkpoint has emerged as a major trade route between Nepal and China, particularly after regular trade through the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani checkpoints was disrupted by natural calamities, including landslides and floods. As a result, traders have increasingly relied on Korala for cross-border trade.

A total of 2,074 electric vehicles (EVs) have entered Nepal through Korala so far.

The customs office said distributors in Nepal are importing more than 500 electric vehicles of BYD brand through Korala this month. Of these, over 300 EVs have already completed customs clearance and departed for their destinations.

Customs revenue collection from goods and electric vehicles cleared through the Mustang Customs Office has reached Rs 5.06 billion, Khadka said.

With the growing use of electric vehicles in Nepal, several companies have been importing EVs manufactured in China through Korala border point. Government incentives, including customs concessions aimed at reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, have further boosted demand for electric vehicles.

Despite harsh winter conditions, trade through the checkpoint remains active. Located at an altitude of 4,610 metres, temperatures at Korala often fall to minus 20 degrees Celsius in the mornings and evenings during winter. Nevertheless, imports of goods and electric vehicles from China have continued, keeping customs operations busy.

After customs clearance, drivers transport electric vehicles from Korala to Jomsom and onward to Pokhara, from where another group of drivers delivers them to company showrooms. On the Chinese side, drivers holding cross-border permits bring vehicles up to the Nepal side of the checkpoint.

Although the checkpoint was expected to close due to adverse weather during winter, the steady inflow of goods and electric vehicles has kept Nepal–China trade through Korala active.

The increased movement of electric vehicles has also kept EV charging stations along the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road busy. While many residents of Upper Mustang have moved to lower areas during winter, import and export activities at Korala have not declined.

Besides electric vehicles, an average of 10 to 12 cargo containers carrying goods are traded daily through the Korala checkpoint, according to the customs office. – With inputs from RSS