Around 70 percent of Chinese imports to Nepal, which used to come via the northern border crossings of the country earlier, are now being routed through India via sea due to the frequent border closures. 

Earlier, goods imported from China, using the northern land route, used to take just two weeks. Now, it takes more than two months, with an additional $10,000 per container, to bring the same via sea through India. 

Speaking to The Kathmandu Post, Bharat Karki, the senior secretary at the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association, said “Because of the hassles created by repeated closures of checkpoints on the northern border, almost 70 percent of traders have been using Indian seaports as transit points, even though it is a long way round and means higher freight charges,"

China is yet to start issuing visas for Nepali traders. And uncertainties on the border are forcing traders in Nepal to place orders for their goods from alternate markets despite the increased logistical costs. Those who had placed their order from China earlier are now in a fix as most of their shipments are being held up at the border.  

Furthermore, the Nepali government lost around 80 percent of its customs revenue it used to earn from the northern border.