Rasuwa-China Trade Route Destroyed by Flood, Causing Billions in Losses
Summary
A flood in Rasuwa has destroyed the Rasuwagadhi highway and severely damaged the main Nepal-China trade route, with traders estimating losses of more than 10 billion rupees. The disruption is expected to trigger shortages and sharp price hikes for festival goods ahead of Dashain and Tihar.
Key Points
- A flood in the Bhote Koshi river washed away a large section of the Rasuwagadhi highway and damaged the Rasuwagadhi customs office, cutting Nepal’s main land trade route to China.
- Traders estimate that goods worth more than 10 billion rupees, mostly festival imports, were destroyed and hundreds of cargo containers were swept away.
- The closure is expected to cause shortages of clothing, footwear, cosmetics and other goods, pushing prices higher during Dashain and Tihar.
- Insurance claims may be difficult because many goods were lost before reaching the Nepali customs point and some shipments were not insured.
