Trade along Nepal’s northern border has been disrupted again after the Tatopani crossing with China closed just three days after reopening, leaving traders short of Chinese goods and threatening the livelihoods of communities dependent on cross-border commerce.
The crossing, which reopened from October 18 to 20, has remained shut to cargo traffic since then, according to Sindhupalchok Chief District Officer Shashidhar Ghimire. Authorities have received no further information on when freight movement might resume, although the crossing remains open to tourists, he said.
China had closed the crossing citing floods and landslides. According to a press statement issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on October 17, the crossing was reopened for three days, with permission granted only to cargo vehicles.
During that period, 72 containers entered Nepal, including 56 carrying ready-made garments intended for the Dashain festival market, along with fruit and other goods. But the renewed closure has disrupted commercial activity around the Tatopani customs area and neighbouring markets.
Traders say supplies of Chinese goods have dwindled, with shop stocks running low. Kavita Tiwari, a trader from Ward 9 of Bahrabise Municipality, said business had slowed across border towns and other markets.
“Since the crossing’s status became uncertain, markets in and around the border area have grown quieter. Chinese goods are becoming difficult to find,” she said.
Local trader Mishri Shrestha said businesses were growing weary of waiting for the crossing to reopen.
Rajesh Bhandari, an executive committee member of the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association, said the prolonged uncertainty was forcing traders dependent on the route to move elsewhere. Some have begun using alternative trade routes, he said.
Residents of Tatopani, Listikot and Phulpingkatti Marmil, among other areas, had routinely travelled to Zhangmu, the Chinese border town known locally as Khasa, to buy food, household items and electrical goods for resale in Nepal. The income helped families cover daily expenses, children’s education and loan repayments, residents said.
The closure has also halted small-scale, informal cross-border trading, cutting off a source of income for poorer households. Residents say the disruption has left many with few alternatives to support their families.
“Traders who depend on this crossing are starting to move elsewhere. Winter snowfall is approaching, and routes towards Mustang could also be blocked by snow. With crossings closed on both sides, traders are being hit from every direction,” Bhandari said.
He criticised the government for what he described as a lack of effective efforts to secure the crossing’s reopening. “What exactly is the reason for keeping the Tatopani crossing closed?” he asked.
Buddha Raj Basnet, president of the Sindhupalchok Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said traders were losing hope as the closure continued without any indication of when normal operations might resume. Businesses dependent on imports and exports remain uncertain about their future, he said.
The impact is spreading beyond border markets, with traders warning that shortages could affect other parts of Nepal that rely on Chinese goods supplied through Tatopani.
Arjun Sapkota, president of Nepal Truck Container Transportation Service Pvt Ltd, said the uncertainty was hurting traders, labourers, drivers, their assistants and local residents whose livelihoods depend on the crossing.
“How long are we expected to put up with this treatment from China? Our patience is running out. Who understands the suffering of Nepali traders, workers, drivers, their assistants and residents connected to the Tatopani-Liping crossing?” he asked. “Our livelihoods, businesses and future are tied to this route. How long can we remain silent while its operation is repeatedly thrown into uncertainty?”
Sapkota said trade relations between Nepal and China should be based on mutual trust, respect and cooperation. The continued uncertainty was affecting the livelihoods of thousands of Nepalis, he said.
Kumar Shrestha, chair of Ward 2 of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, said there was no clear public explanation for the continued closure.
“The roads, infrastructure, customs facilities and immigration arrangements are all ready. China is also developing a smart city in Khasa. So why is Tatopani still closed? Is the government failing to take the necessary initiative? Only God knows,” he said.
The continued suspension of cargo traffic has puzzled local representatives and traders, who say facilities on both sides of the border appear ready to handle cross-border movement.