Sulochana Shakya of Kathmandu, who was at Tatopani to purchase cheaper winter outfits, was taken aback when she price tags of Chinese apparel.[break]
“I had planned to purchase stuffs worth Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, but could buy only one blanket costing Rs 2,000,” shared Shakya. She explained that goods that were priced at Rs 1,000 last year now cost Rs 1,700.
Price surge has been seen in winter outfits like jacket, chain vest, sweater, jumper, shoes, woolen cap and gloves among others.
“The depreciation of Nepali currency vis-à-vis dollar and Yuan has made Chinese clothes expensive this winter,” said Nirmalhari Adhikari, customs head at Tatopani. He further added that upward revision in custom valuation of Chinese goods has also mad Chinese products dearer.
According to Adhikari, customs valuation of Chinese goods entering Nepali has been increased by as much as 150 percent.
Chinese apparel occupies almost 90 percent of Nepal´s clothing market.
Import unaffected
The rise in price of Chinese products, however, has not affected imports from the northern neighbor. According to Tatopani Customs Office, more than 60 containers carrying winter outfits have been entering Nepal everyday.
According to authorities, imports of all types of winter clothes like jackets, gloves, woolen sweaters and caps among others have increased. The office mobilized Rs 1.25 billion in revenue over the first four months of 2011/12. It expects to mobilize Rs 3.31 billion during 2011/12.
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