KATHMANDU, Sept 29: Nepal’s overland trade with China has come to a standstill after heavy snowfall disrupted operations at the Mustang-Korala border crossing, the only functioning trade route between the two countries.
Following days of incessant rainfall across the country, heavy snowfall blanketed Lo Manthang and surrounding areas in Upper Mustang on Saturday, forcing the closure of the Korala border point and halting the movement of goods between Nepal and China.
According to Yamlal Bhusal, director general of the Department of Customs, no major physical damage has been reported in the border area due to the rain and snowfall. However, the accumulation of snow around the customs office has made the transportation and clearance of goods difficult.
Snowfall cheers Mustang farmers
"Snow has accumulated up to the customs office area, and commercial movement and cargo transportation are expected to remain disrupted for at least a day or two," Bhusal said.
The Korala crossing had been serving as a crucial alternative route for bilateral trade, offering traders and consumers hope of importing goods in time for the upcoming festive season. Although a significant volume of goods has already reached the customs point, snowfall has complicated customs clearance and transportation operations.
The disruption comes as Nepal's two other major trade gateways with China, Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi, remain inaccessible due to natural disasters.
The Tatopani border point has remained largely non-operational for months due to landslides along the Araniko Highway. Similarly, the Rasuwagadhi crossing has been closed since the devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood struck the area on August 26.
With all major trade routes with China facing disruptions at a time when businesses are importing goods for Dashain and Tihar, concerns are growing over potential supply shortages in the domestic market. Nepal imports a wide range of products from China, including electric vehicles, clothing, footwear, electronics, and fruits.
Dashain and Tihar represent the peak season for commercial activity in Nepal, when demand for consumer goods, vehicles, apparel, footwear, and electronic items typically surges.
To meet the festive demand, traders usually place orders and arrange imports well in advance. However, with key border crossings closed just as shipments are due to enter the country, many consignments remain stranded at the border, delaying their arrival in the market.
Traders warn that prolonged border disruptions could increase transportation costs, extend delivery times, and create greater uncertainty for businesses. Such challenges could lead to higher prices and potential shortages of goods during the festive season.
