KATHMANDU: Nepali businessmen are facing difficulties as the Kerung border crossing with China has remained closed for the past five months.
The closure began after floods in the Lhende River on July 8, 2025, washed away the Miteri River bridge in Rasuwagadhi. As a result, clothes and other goods have been stranded at the border.
Former president of the National Trade Association, Saroj Kumar Shrestha, said nearly 200 containers of goods imported from China for Dashain are still stuck at Kerung. “Materials imported in August are still stranded, causing serious disruptions,” he said.
The Tatopani border crossing in Sindhupalchowk is currently only partially operational. It reopened after Tihar following closure due to rains and landslides that blocked the Araniko Highway.
Shrestha added that since both Kerung and Tatopani are not fully operational, some businessmen are forced to use the Korola border crossing in Mustang, paying high transportation fees.
At Korala, only four to five transport vehicles are granted passes to enter China daily. With the onset of cold weather, the border is now closed, forcing goods to be rerouted through Mustang and Pokhara to reach Kathmandu. Businessmen also face additional fuel costs as vehicles must remain running in freezing conditions.
Kumar Karki, outgoing president of the Nepal National Entrepreneurs’ Federation, said, “With the two main border crossings with China not operating properly, import costs rise. The government should take immediate steps to reopen the borders.”
Nepal imports a variety of goods from China, including clothes, shoes, cosmetics, electronics, fruits, and vehicle parts.
Rajendra Prasad Chudal, Chief Customs Officer at Tatopani, said that even when Kerung was operational, 25–30 containers entered Tatopani daily. Now, despite Kerung being closed, the flow of goods through Tatopani has not increased.
Most imports currently are fruits, accounting for nearly 80% of goods from China. Talks are ongoing with the Chinese Consulate General to facilitate imports.
Kishor Bartaula, Information Officer of the Customs Department, said, “Even though Kerung is closed, about 30–35 containers of goods enter Nepal daily through Tatopani. The cold has also disrupted movement through Korala.”
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