MUSTANG, Dec 26: Goods worth Rs 11.01 billion have been imported and exported through the Mustang Customs Office at the Korala border point, according to customs officials.
Since the Nepal–China Korala border was fully brought into operation on September 30, trade worth over Rs 11 billion has been recorded up to January 10, said Mustang Customs Chief Ramesh Khadka. Of the total, goods worth Rs 10.82 billion were imported from China, while Nepal exported products worth Rs 189.78 million, mainly handicrafts.
A total of 2,074 electric vehicles (EVs) have entered Nepal through the Korala border so far. Customs officials said more Chinese-made EVs have continued to arrive since Sunday. This month alone, BYD has been importing more than 500 electric vehicles through the border point, of which over 300 have already completed customs clearance and been dispatched to their destinations.
Around 1,600 EVs worth about Rs 3.82 billion imported within tw...
Customs revenue collection from imports and exports through the Mustang customs point has reached Rs 5.06 billion, according to the office.
With rising demand for electric vehicles in Nepal, several companies have been importing EVs from China via the Korala border. Government tax incentives and policies promoting electric mobility to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions have contributed to the growing demand.
Despite harsh winter conditions, trade activity at the Korala border has remained active. Located at an altitude of 4,610 meters, temperatures at the border drop to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius during mornings and evenings.
After customs clearance, EVs are driven from Korala to Jomsom and then transported onward to Pokhara and other destinations. Chinese drivers initially bring the vehicles to the Nepali side of the border, after which Nepali drivers take over.
The increased inflow of EVs has also made charging stations along the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road busier. Although many residents of Upper Mustang migrate downward during winter, import–export activities through the Korala border have continued uninterrupted.
Customs officials added that 10–12 cargo containers of goods are currently being imported or exported daily, keeping trade between Nepal and China active through the northern border.
