KATHMANDU, July 29: Nepal imported Chinese goods worth Rs 65.22 billion via the Rasuwagadhi customs point in the last fiscal year. Chief of Rasuwa Customs Office, Timure, Ram Prasad Pathak, stated that the imports included vehicles, readymade goods, rubber, shoes, handbags, raw materials for shoes, apples, garlic, and more. A large number of electric vehicles were also imported.

Nepal imported a total of 7,377 vehicles made in China, including buses, cars, tricycles, vans, and others, with the value exceeding Rs 19.57 billion in the fiscal year 2023/24. However, Nepal exported goods worth just Rs 1.96 billion from the Rasuwagadhi customs point, indicating a significant trade deficit with China.

The exports included copper utensils, carpets, noodles, zinc sheets, aluminum goods, woolen shawls, and readymade clothes. The Customs Office deposited Rs 20.36 billion in the state treasury, including customs duty, penalties, and VAT in the fiscal year 2023/24.

Another major customs point for trade with China is the Tatopani customs point. However, this border was completely closed for 4 and a half years after the devastating earthquake in 2015. It reopened in May 2019 but was closed again in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of late there has been some improvement in trade through this checkpoint.

Although Nepal and China have been discussing to reopen other border checkpoints, it has not been effective till date. (with inputs from RSS)